Yale has a new professional choir, and it is well worth hearing. The Yale Consort sings evensong services at local churches, especially Christ Church at 84 Broadway. Most of the singers in the 18-voice choir are Yale alumni, many from the ISM’s voice program in early music, oratorio, and chamber ensemble. All are professional vocalists.
On April 26, a special Festal Evensong was held at Christ Church in thanksgiving for artists and musicians and in celebration of the ISM’s 50th anniversary. The service included music, readings, quiet contemplation, and a sermon by guest preacher Professor Teresa Morgan, the McDonald Agape Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Yale Divinity School. View Professor Morgan’s sermon here.
The Yale Consort is conducted by ISM professor James O’Donnell. From 2000 to 2022 he was director of music at Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and he has brought his exacting vocal standards and liturgical expertise to Yale. The evensong services feature music, readings, and quiet contemplation. Each service includes a setting of the Magnificat, as well as a Psalm, an anthem, and additional liturgical selections.
During the 2024–2025 academic year the Consort will sing weekly at evening services. Dates and locations will be announced on the ISM’s website.
