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.


Recent past seasons have included masterworks such as Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (W.A. Mozart), Membra Jesu Nostri (Dietrich Buxtehude), The St. John Passion by Bob Chilcott, and the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré. 


Great Music at Calvary is made possible by your special contributions. Your tax-deductible contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated. For more information or to be added to our Great Music at Calvary mailing list, please contact the church office at 716-633-7800.

Great Music at Calvary 2025-26

September 21, 2025, 4 p.m. - Choral Evensong

For the season-opening Evensong, the Calvary Choir will celebrate Fr. Robert Harvey's 30th anniversary of Ordination with a newly composed piece by Roland Martin. Hymns, a psalm and canticles will fill out the service.


October 26, 2025, 7 p.m. - Requiem Concert

Calvary Choir is joined by the choir of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Buffalo for the world premiere of the complete cycle with orchestra of Roland Martin's "Such Glorious Gifts," a set of twelve settings of poems by George Herbert. We welcome back the Buffalo Chamber Players as the orchestra for this event.


December 14, 2025, 7 p.m. - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

A glorious Calvary tradition which features choir, soloists, brass and organ. Joyful music old and new will be presented in a festive setting.


February 15, 2026, 4 p.m. - Mass Appeal

This concert presents several settings of the Mass from different eras. The highlight will be a new setting by British/Belgian composer Julian Allcock. Settings by Fauré and Hayden will be heard as well.


April 3, 2026, 7 p.m. - The Way of the Cross

Some of the most moving and beautiful music ever written was composed for the commemoration of Christ's Passion. Our focal piece on this Good Friday will be Franz Liszt's "Via Crucis" (The Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross). Liszt, better known for his virtuostic piano music, was a deeply religious man. This music is profound, unusual, and gripping. There will be other settings of music for choir as well.


May 3, 2026, 4 p.m. - Choral Evensong

The Calvary Church Choir rounds out the Great Music season with a celebratory choral Evensong.