Music
Three weekly Sunday services enable us to be eclectic in our music program.
The 9:30 service uses as its primary source of congregational song the hymn book Gather and includes a more contemporary 'folk' art music rather than classical organ-based music. Musical leadership is led by a small vocal group accompanied by piano and instrumentalists, including flute, violin, guitar, and bass guitar.
The music is more traditional at the 11:15 service, and the hymn book Common Praise is used. A mixed voice choir of 25 with paid section leads provides leadership for service music and congregational song. Musical selections by the choir alone are sung in various languages (mostly English and Latin) and range from historical periods (Baroque, Tudor/Renaissance, Classical) to sacred church music of the 20th century, including present day Canadian composers.
The 7 PM services include hymns from Common Praise accompanied on the organ and led by four singers. Musical pieces are selected from the traditional Anglican Evensong repertoire. Once a month, a service of prayer, meditation, and song in the Taizé style is offered in the evening. On an occasional basis Bach Vespers or a Rock Eucharist is offered at 7 PM. For a schedule of those dates, please click here.
Church of the Redeemer Choir and Ensemble in Residence (October 3, 2010)
In addition to the music that is a vital part of our worship service, Church of the Redeemer is home to a number of groups that regularly use our sanctuary for concerts. Situated in the heart of Yorkville, the Church offers a new lower level and refurbished sanctuary complete with a porcelain tile floor and air conditioning. The nave is wide, providing an intimate setting with comfortable seating and good sightlines. A rebuilt Casavant three-manual pipe organ and Yamaha concert grand piano are available for accompaniment. The lower level provides an accessible green room/warm-up space as well as a spacious kitchen for the comfort of performers. Bookings and rates are available by contacting the church office at 416-922-4948.
Special Music Events (2010 - 2011)
For a listing of special events in the 2010 - 2011 season, please click here.
Casavant Organ Opus 213 (1904)
In 1904, the parish hired Casavant Bros. of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec to install a two-manual (2 keyboards) organ. It was the first Casavant instrument in a Toronto church. This remarkable 100 year old instrument continues to be used every week to accompany parish worship, a claim that no other organ of its age in the city of Toronto can make.
Please follow the links to learn more about the history of this instrument and its console specification.
George A. Black Fellowship in Sacred Music
A doctoral fellowship has been established at the Church of the Redeemer in the name of George Black, a member of Church of the Redeemer and a liturgist, a hymnist, a church musician and a composer. To learn more about George Black and this Fellowship, please click here.