Music at St George's
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The music program at St. George's is a vibrant part of the rich liturgical tradition of the Parish.
The Choir "The Halley-led St. George's choir sings powerfully and with astonishing presence" (Halifax Chronicle Herald)
The 22-voice choir of St. George's comprises professional section leaders, choral scholars from the Chapel Choir of the University of King's College, and a core of highly skilled volunteer singers. Every Sunday the choir sings a setting of the mass, an offertory anthem, a communion motet, and introit and gradual psalms, as well as several hymns which are frequently ornamented with Halley descants. The choir's repertoire ranges from the medieval and renaissance masterworks to compositions by contemporary composers such as Tavener and Pärt.
In addition the choir sings at all Eucharists for major feasts throughout the year, and provides the music for the once-a-month Choral Evensongs. Members of the choir also sing a Requiem Mass for funerals at St. George's. During the summer those members of the choir who are not on vacation, along with guests from near and far, provide music for the Sunday morning services. There is never "down time" for the music programme at St. George's!
The choir also gives concerts not only at St. George's but throughout the province on a regular basis.
The Director of Music is very happy to meet and hear prospective singers at any time. Contact Paul at paulhalley@eastlink.ca to set up an appointment.
Director of Music
Paul Halley, MA (Cantab.), FRCO, ARCT
Director of Music
(902) 221-5320
paulhalley@eastlink.ca
Music Scholar
Nicholas Halley
Born in New York City, and raised in the grounds of the city's Cathedral of St. John the Divine (where his father, Paul Halley, was Director of Music), Nick Halley's earliest memories are of hte rich variety of music there, from sacred choral to contemporary jazz and African dance. Nick majored in jazz and classical percussion at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and spent a year studying and performing in Brazil prior to returning to New York City to The New School University's jazz and contemporary music program. Nick tours and records with groups ranging in style from traditional Scottish and Irish to gospel, jazz, Brazilian and popular music, including The Chris Norman Ensemble, and his own recently-formed Nick Halley Band. Nick has performed with artists such as Oscar Castro-Neves, Maucha Adnet, Suzie LeBlanc, Theresa Thomason, Rhonda Larson, Café, and Jamey Haddad. Nick worked for three years (2005-2008) as Assistant Conductor of Connecticut's acclaimed children's choir Chorus Angelicus. While there he founded and directed The Gentlemen of Chorus Angelicus.
When not on tour, Nick is currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia apprenticed to his father as organist and choral conductor at St George's Anglican Church, the University of King's College, and the Atlantic School of Theology. He also teaches private lessons and directs workshops in percussion, music theory, and Brazilian, North African, and South Indian rhythm and has recently formed the new St George's Men & Boy's Choir which makes their debut concert on Friday June 18th at 7pm Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and available at the door.
In July of 2008, Nick released his debut recording, Barnum Hill, featuring the Nick Halley Band in performances of Nick's own compositions as well as those of other members of the Band.
The Organ "The marvelous St. George's organ" (Halifax Chronicle Herald)
The organ, Opus 76 of Orgues Létourneau Ltee was installed in the round Church in 2002. It is a 25 stop Mechanical Action instrument which is capable of handling most of the great repertoire, thanks to its flexible tonal design. (Specifications & photos)
Please see service schedule for times of all services.
The Parish makes both the Round Church and the Little Dutch Church (LDC) available as venues for musical and extra-liturgical events. The unique acoustics of the Round Church make for an exceptional venue for chamber concerts, while the intimacy and simple elegance of the LDC allow small ensembles or solo performers a drawing room atmosphere. For inquiries about renting the spaces of the Parish please contact the Parish Office (office@roundchurch.ca).
The Parish has use of a single manual harpsichord, is in the process of acquiring a piano, and is fortunate to have a fine 2 manual Mechanical Action organ built in 2002 by Orgues Letourneau Ltee http://www.letourneauorgans.com. See The Organ for details of the instrument and photos of the installation.