The Wesley Choir
Rehearsals
Wednesday evenings
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
in the choir room
Worship
Sunday mornings
10:30 a.m.
warm-up in sanctuary at 9:30 a.m.
About the Choir
The Wesley Choir is the primary worship choir at Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. Dedicated in 1927, the cathedral-like sanctuary was intentionally designed with music and worship as priorities. Since the church’s inception, the Wesley Choir has sung at morning worship services from September to June, and at all other major worship events. Under its distinctive leaders, the choir has also presented many major choral works, alone and in combination with other choral singers. Currently, the Wesley Choir boasts a membership of 25.
In Worship
The Wesley Choir takes an active leadership role in all worship services, leading the singing of hymns, both old and new, and presenting choral anthems that give deep biblical texts a rich spiritual presentation. Anthems are chosen from a rich and diverse heritage: from ancient motets of the Middle Ages (when sacred choral music began) to music being written today. Collaborations with Wesley’s Ghanaian Choir bring opportunities to sing exciting musical praise in the African tradition, and outgrowth of Wesley’s unique multi-cultural congregation.
Public Concerts
The Wesley Choir has an on-going tradition of singing choral masterworks in a concert setting. For example, during 2006, the Requiem of Maurice Duruflé was presented, with guest organist and soloist. For each major event, guest singers are invited to be part of the choir; rehearsal times are separate.
... but I've never sung before!
Wesley Choir is a perfect opportunity, then! The choir is a non-auditioned, completely volunteer organization. Inexperienced singers benefit by being in a totally relaxed “learn-by-doing” atmosphere, standing among choristers who have been singing for years.
To the Glory of God
Choir rehearsals are times of worship and spiritual renewal, and the Wesley Choir is a close-knit family of singers. Devotions and prayers are shared regularly, and a special emphasis on praying the anthems’ texts leads us into worship with the burdens of working on the music left behind. Each offering of the Wesley Choir is presented to the glory of God alone.
Join Us!
Wesley Choir is open to all! If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Director of Music Ministries. Sing praise to God, who reigns above!