Marrying tradition & trend

In June, musicians from across the country convened on campus for the Church Musicians Workshop, directed by Dr. Geoffrey Williams.

Centered on the theme of the “Neomedieval Church Musician – Marrying Tradition and Trend in the 21st Century,” the conference included opportunities for group and private study in conducting, ensemble singing, voice, and organ. Participants honed their craft through hours of practice in St. Mary’s Chapel and learned from a distinguished panel of musicians and liturgists, including composer-in-residence Dr. Andrew Smith, vocalist Sarah Brailey (pictured), organist Scott Dettra, and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Olver, Associate Professor of Liturgics and Pastoral Ministry at Nashotah House.

A particularly special feature of the workshop, Smith’s commissioned pieces, “Nashotah Canticles” and “O Sublime Humility,” were premiered in the chapel.

The Church Musicians Workshop will make its return in 2024. †