Great Music at Calvary
Great Music at Calvary is a musical offering made freely to God and for the benefit of the Western New York community. Comprised of special services, recitals, and concerts, these musical offerings form the centerpiece of our music ministry.
Check out our calendar or scroll down for a complete listing of upcoming events.
Great Music
2019-2020 Season
St. John Passion
Friday, September 13, 2019 7:00 p.m.
Bob Chilcott's dramatic retelling of the Crucifixion story employs choir, chamber ensemble, and vocal soloists, conducted by Calvary Church's organist and choirmaster Kevin Durkin.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Choral Evensong
Sunday, October 6, 2019 4:00 p.m.
The Calvary Choir celebrates "All Things Bright and Beautiful" with a festive choral evensong featuring Thomas Attwood Walmisley's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Requiem for the Homeless
Friday, November 1, 2019 7:30 p.m.
at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Buffalo
The Calvary Choir joins other local choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church for Bob Chilcott's Requiem.
Discretionary offering
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 15, 2019 4:00 pm
One of Williamsville's favorite holiday traditions returns again, celebrating Christmas through word, choral reflections, and congregational carols.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Martin
Sunday, February 2, 2020 2:00 p.m.
The Calvary Church Choir is joined by Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir, some of Western New York's most distinguished soloists and orchestra to present Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, Mendelssohn's Hear My Prayer and a suite of works by local composer Roland E. Martin, conducted by the composer.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Lenten Choral Evensong
Sunday, March 22, 2020 4:00 p.m.
The Calvary Church Choir offers a quiet presentation of choral evensong, highlighting a cappella works including Thomas Morley's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Music for the Grave
Good Friday, April 10, 2020 7:00 p.m.
The most solemn day of the church year is commemorated in a concert of music for choir, strings, and organ, featuring Rheinberger's Stabat Mater.
Discretionary offering
Festive Choral Evensong
Sunday, May 17, 2020 4:00 p.m.
The Calvary Church Choir rounds out the season with a celebratory choral evensong including Stanford's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B-flat.
Discretionary offering
Reception to follow
Carillon Concert Series
Calvary's Concert series runs for several Wednesdays in July and early August. Bring a lawn chair and listen from outdoors, or indoors in case of rain. Refreshments available. Handicapped accessible. All Carillon concerts begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a second musical group at 8:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong and Compline
Choral Evensong in an Anglican Church is a magnificent act of worship. Sung daily since the sixteenth century, this service is one piece of the total worship of God offered by Christian people at every hour of the day and night in every part of the world. Drawn almost entirely from the Bible, its primary purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God in history and in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its secondary purpose is to evoke from the worshiper a response of praise, penitence, prayer and obedience. Much of the music is sung by the Choir to classical and often elaborate settings dating from the time of the English Reformation (and earlier) to the present day. The form of worship is drawn from the first Prayer Book of King Edward VI (1549) and subsequent revisions. The congregation is invited to join silently in worship with the Choir as they offer prayers, Psalms, canticles, responses and other music on behalf of the congregation. The congregation is encouraged to join the choir in the singing of hymns and various other parts of the service.
Drawn from the most contemplative of the monastic offices begun in the middle ages, the candle-lit service of Compline offers music from Gregorian Chant and early polyphony to the contemporary music of modern mystics. Offered to God at the end of the day as a prayer of thanksgiving, Compline is also a plea for serenity and peace.
Friends of Great Music
Great Music at Calvary is made possible by your special contributions. Parishioners, friends, community members, and everyone who enjoys these special afternoon and evening services is welcome to become a Friend of Great Music. Your tax-deductable contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated. We are able to acknowledge gifts in the following categories:
$25 - $99 - Friends
$100 - $249 - Supporters
$250 - $499 - Benefactors
$500 and above - Sustainers
For more information or to be added to our Great Music at Calvary mailing list, please contact Kevin Durkin or 716-633-7800 x 229.
