Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
Listen to choral services, recorded live at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, each Sunday at 4 p.m., September–May. Most services are Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), which dates from the sixteenth century, yet has its roots in the far more ancient Daily Offices of Vespers and Compline. One of the jewels of our Anglican/Episcopal worship tradition, Evensong has given birth to one of the largest and richest bodies of sacred music outside of the Mass itself. It is, at its heart, a contemplative worship service, and much of the service is sung by the choir alone, employing sounds that span the known history of Christian music. At the formal close of Evensong, an intimate “liturgy of the table” is celebrated for those who wish to receive Communion. Occasionally a classically sung Choral Eucharist, or a diocesan confirmation, or a service of Lessons and Carols takes the place of Evensong.
Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols (March 29, 2026)
•
cathedralATL
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, sung by the Cathedral Schola, marks the Sunday of the Passion. One of the most moving choral services of the year, this meditation employs lessons & carols, spirituals, anthems, motets, and congregational hymns to illuminate the Passion of Christ, which is retold using biblical narratives from Mark, Matthew, and John, sung to some of the most ancient plainchant known to the Church. The officiant is the Rev. Canon George Maxwell. Choral repertoire includes:
- Bruce Neswick (b. 1956), “In the cross of Christ I glory” Tomter
- Owain Park (b. 1993), I wonder as I wander
- David Hurd (b. 1950), “A stable lamp is lighted” Andújar
- Nancy Wertsch (b. 1948), In monte Oliveti
- Charles Snider (1955-2026), Was ever grief like mine?
- Thomas Tallis (c. 1505-1585), “To mock your reign, O dearest Lord” Third Tune
- Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988), “Drop, drop, slow tears” from Crucifixus pro nobis
- Trond Kverno (b. 1945), Corpus Christi Carol
- “Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended” Herzliebster Jesu
- Spiritual, Were you there when they crucified my Lord
- Antonio Lotti (1667-1740), Crucifixus à 8
Prelude
A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols