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From the Organist-Choirmaster

 

Laudate Nomen Domini, vos servi Domini!
Ab ortu solis usque ad occasum ejus!

THANK YOU for your interest in Music at St. Dunstan’s. The Music Program of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church exists primarily to:

1. EDIFY the liturgies of our regular worship;
2. ENJOIN and EDUCATE the congregation; and
3. ENHANCE the cultural life of the community through music’s unique language of EVANGELISM.

Throughout most of its 400-year history, the Anglican Communion has promoted a tradition of rich and glorious worship as primary in life. If worship is to be authentic and valid, then it must be able to lift hearts to the knowledge and love of God and to the glories of God’s kingdom. It is then that we as Christians are empowered to offer a transforming ministry to a needy world.

The Anglican Communion has always considered music a vital component of worship. In one of his many sermons on music, Basil the Great, Bishop of Cæsarea (c.330-379), declared that “God mingles the sweetness of harmony with the divine Truth.” Certainly, this wonderful mingling continues to be felt week after week at St. Dunstan’s, where all regularly lift their varied talents in praise of the Glory of God. The Music Program not only belongs to, but also consists of, the entire congregation of St. Dunstan’s, whether they be active singers and instrumentalists, or quiet listeners who are silently uplifted.

Central to the Music Program at St. Dunstan’s is the St. Dunstan Choir, an all-auditioned adult ensemble which provides support and leadership to the congregation in the singing of hymns and service music. Consisting of sixteen thoroughly dedicated parish volunteers, the Choir also provides the carefully prepared anthems and motets which grace our Sunday services. In addition to regular Sunday morning worship, this season the Choir will expand its function of outreach through special Services of Music. Indeed, as we seek to more fully live and honor our Parish Mission Statement by being a “witness to the world through serving others”, the Choir will continue to expand its ministry through exploration of the fine choral heritage of our Anglican tradition. Additional Services of Music this season will include Choral Evensong, the candlelight Advent Procession with Carols, a Candlemas Procession with Evensong, and the beautiful Lenten Meditation with Carols.

St. Dunstan’s is indeed blessed with thriving ministries and an enthusiastic congregation, a congregation which regularly finds solace and inspiration in the worship of this parish. All are welcome to participate in the worship, educational offerings, music, and fellowship of St. Dunstan’s: I encourage you to extend this invitation by sharing the Series of Sacred Music Events with family and friends, so that together we might glorify Christ, be lifted up in the Spirit, and go forth in witness to God’s Word, joyfully following the instructions of the Psalmist:

Praise the Lord, ye servants, O Praise the Name of the Lord!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth for evermore!

Please feel free to contact me at any time!
STEPHEN L. FURCHES, Organist-Choirmaster
email or 404-266-1018

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Music At St. Dunstan's

• 6 November 2005, 4 pm - A Celebration of Saints: Festal Choral Evensong and Organ Recital
Please join us for this first in a series of choral services in the Anglican tradition. Music by the St. Dunstan Choir honoring the Feast of All Saints, with choral works of Walford Davies, Thomas Tallis, and Edgar Bainton, and featuring the Evening Canticles in G Major of Herbert Sumsion. Preceded by an organ recital with Stephen L. Furches, newly-appointed Organist-Choirmaster of St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church.


• 4 December, 2005 4 pm - An Advent Procession with Carols
Traditional Anglican candlelight service with music by the St. Dunstan Choir. Scriptural Lessons from the Prophets and Gospels alternate with carols and hymns in a moving and dramatic portrayal of the world awaiting the Savior. Carols by Benjamin Britten, Alan Gibbs, John Gardner, John Rutter, David Ashley White, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and others.

• 5 February, 2006 4 pm - A Candlemas Procession with Choral Evensong and Organ Recital
A celebration of the Light of Christ, its revelation to the nations, and its abiding presence in the world today. Music by the St. Dunstan Choir will feature choral works honoring the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Preceded by an organ recital with David Houston, Organist-Choirmaster of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Atlanta, Georgia.

• 26 March, 2006 4 pm - A Lenten Meditation with Carols
The Great Forty Days of Lent, with all of their inherent spiritual drama and profound implications, have provided artists for centuries with sources of inspiration. Please join the St. Dunstan Choir for this liturgical sequence of prayers, readings, carols, and anthems arranged to amplify the various themes observed by the Christian world at this time. Featuring the premiere of the motet "Blessed Jesus, at this Hour," by James Stephenson.

• 14 May, 2006 4 pm - The Atlanta Lawyers Orchestra, Paul Jasionowski, Director
The Atlanta Lawyers Orchestra is a charitable institution providing the Atlanta community with classical music concerts and fostering a positive relationship between lawyers and their community. Modeled after successful lawyers' orchestras in New York, Boston, and Chicago, they are a group of amateur musicians—mostly legal professionals—who share a deep love of music and who have come together for the joy of ensemble performance.

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