If you like church music, you'll be delighted with St. Matthew's. Our music centers around the Episcopal Hymnal, which draws many of its songs from the stately hymns of the Church of England, as well as from other American and European churches. We supplement the Hymnal with a variety of other songs from many sources, as well as music composed specifically for St. Matthew's.
As with other ministries at St. Matthew's, Music is a gifts-based ministry in which musically gifted individuals are given oportunities to share their gifts in our corporate worship. A gift is best used when it is given away, and all members of the Music Ministry are eager to share their talents with the community.
The Parish Choir is the backbone of the Music Ministry, and has been serving since 1902 or earlier (records of the early years of the parish are spare). The Parish Choir leads the community in singing hymns and service music - thrilling and triumphant, tender and contemplative. The choir offers itself as both curator of the world's richest religious music, and as innovator of new and stimulating expressions of the Christian faith.
Some of the Parish Choir's musical highlights include:
- Release of a CD, "Upon Christ's Nativity - Lessons and Carols for Christmas," including original compositions by Director of Music Ministries, J Michael Compton.
- A festive Homecoming Evensong to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Parish Choir, featuring a newly-composed setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Jayson Rod Engquist.
- A special Choral Evensong on November 1, 2003, to celebrate J Michael Compton's 20th anniversary as Director of Music, including past and present choir members.
- An original composition by J Michael Compton, "The Passion according to St. Luke," presented on Palm/Passion Sunday, 2004.
Membership in the choir is open to those who can match pitch ("carry a tune") and will commit to a weekly rehearsal. To arrange an audition for membership in this outstanding ensemble, please contact J Michael Compton by email at mcompton@stmatthewsmn.org or by phone at (651) 645-3058.
St. Matthew's is blessed with many talented instrumentalists, some of whom are professional musicians. Trumpets and flutes, violins and cellos play sometimes alone, in small ensembles or with the whole assembly to lend a festive or a prayerful tone to our worship. If you can play an instrument, we welcome your participation. Please contact Michael Compton at mcompton@stmatthewsmn.org
The Angel Choir is the most recent addition to St. Matthew's Music Ministry. Under the direction of Katie Lowry, children of all ages who enjoy singing, stomping and clapping make a joyful noise! For more information about the Angel Choir, contact Katie Lowry at katio.lowry@gmail.com or (651) 483-1472.
