Dear Friends:

It is not hyperbole to say that for the past 138 years, the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys has been changing people’s lives. From those who have served in her ranks, to those who have experienced her music, this unique choral program has been changing the way people think about themselves, their community, and most importantly, their God. A recent article in the Albany Times Union described the experience as follows: “The voices . . . captivated an audience that sat unmoving and awestruck.” 

Changing people’s lives. The choristers who have made up the cathedral choir range from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds and have gone on to become teachers, engineers, doctors, Army Rangers, and community leaders. Today’s choir is filled with those same stories, providing direction and balance to its young choristers, inspiration and fulfillment to its more senior members.  How many other programs can truly make this claim? 

Changing people’s lives. In just the past year, The Friends of the Choir facilitated the creation of the Lloyd E. Cast, Jr. Organ Fellowship, a revolving full-time position dedicated to furthering the career of a promising young church musician. Talented organist Robert W. Richter is in the second year of his fellowship and has worked tirelessly to assist Director Woodrow Bynum in the growth and development of the choir program. Both he and our lives have been enhanced as a result of this experience.

Changing people’s lives. In August, eight cathedral choristers spent a week in Montreal with choristers from across the United States and Canada, training under the direction Andrew Lumsden, Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral, England.  One of our boys was awarded Chorister of the Week for his talent and effort!

Changing people’s lives. All of this hard work and dedication results in musical offerings that enrich our lives. As you will see from the enclosed list of choral services, the coming year is filled with a variety of excellent opportunities to experience the glorious music to be offered by the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys.  In addition to lending their voices in weekly service at the Cathedral of All Saints, additional offerings include: Advent Procession on November 29, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 20, Duruflé Requiem and Four Motets with Albany Pro Musica on January 31, and two performances of Handel’s Messiah as part of the Spring Benefit Concert Series on May 15 and May 16.

The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is thus as relevant today as it was over a century ago when it quietly began in the dusty machine shed of Bishop Doane’s newly born cathedral. On behalf of The Friends of the Choir, I hope that you will join us in supporting this life-changing program. I invite you to join me in making a tax-deductible contribution to The Friends of the Choir. Please also be sure to provide us with your e-mail address so that we may keep you updated on news and events involving the Friends and the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. Your support is sincerely appreciated

Kindest regards,

Andrew B. Howard, President