led by John Ferguson, with participation by Marguerite L. Brooks, Thomas Troeger, Yale Camerata, Heritage Chorale, Elm City Girls’ Choir and more.
Hymn Festivals unite communities and celebrate the musical heritage of the Church. To join one’s voice with such a large group of singers, whether in the choir or in the audience, is a rare experience indeed. Participation in this event will deepen a love of hymns for all who attend, no matter what their denomination!
The Yale Institute of Sacred Music will host a community Hymn Festival in Woolsey Hall in New Haven on Sunday, October 6 at 5pm. This celebration of word and song will feature speaker The audience will be invited to sing hymns, both familiar and new, in festive arrangements by prominent composers. We will be led by the Yale Camerata and guest church choirs from around Connecticut, all conducted by Prof. Marguerite L. Brooks. The renowned organist and composer Dr. John Ferguson from St. Olaf College will accompany the hymn festival on the famous Newberry Organ. Dr. Ferguson is well known as arranger and leader of hymns, and his work has renewed hymn-singing in congregations around the country.
All are welcome and admission is free. People are advised to arrive early to ensure good seating and parking.
John Ferguson is the Elliot and Klara Stockdal Johnson Professor of Organ and Church Music and Cantor to the student congregation at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, where he also conducts the St. Olaf Cantorei, one of the major choral ensembles of the college. John’s creative hymn arrangements continue this tradition in church music.