In celebration of its 50th anniversary year, the Yale Institute of Sacred Music is inviting singers in the greater New Haven area to participate in an ecumenical hymn festival in Woolsey Hall on May 5, 2024, at 4 p.m. The goal is to gather a community choir of 300 voices to lead an audience of over 1,000 around the theme “All Creation Sings,” celebrating the diversity of our creation and our duty as faithful people to care for it. Conducted by Dr. Felicia Barber, the choir will have as its core the Yale Camerata to be accompanied by brass ensemble, gospel instrumentalists, and organists Dr. Nathaniel Gumbs and Dr. Bruce Neswick. Drs. Barbara Brown Taylor and James Forbes will be our preachers for the occasion. If you enjoy and have experience singing in choirs, we invite you to participate.
Two meetings are required:
- A dress rehearsal in Battell Chapel on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- A warm-up in Woolsey Hall on Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m., followed by the hymn festival at 4 p.m. We expect the event to conclude by 5:30 p.m.
Additionally, you are encouraged to attend three other rehearsals, though these are not required:
- Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. Woolsey Hall
- Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. Woolsey Hall
- Tuesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. Battell Chapel
The music will include various genres of sacred music, ranging from traditional and contemporary hymns, spirituals, gospel, and more. Register at this link and include all the information requested by February 15. We will send you a packet of music by March 15 along with recorded tracks to help in learning the music.
All are welcome to join us for this special event!
