Each year, Holy Trinity Anglican Church organizes a musical presentation for the Hillsdale community. This year, for the first time, they’ve chosen to perform a choral evensong — a sung version of nightly prayer consisting of psalms, hymns, scripture readings, prayers, and call-and-responses between the minister and choir — and will be performing at 4 p.m on April 10 in Holy Trinity Church.
“The Anglican tradition is very proud of its choral heritage,” director Casey Gregg ’11, an alumna from Hillsdale College, said. “We have a strong connection with great choral music, and the church wants to highlight that once a year for a private event.”
Gregg began directing choir at Holy Trinity this past year. She said she is following in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom are choral directors. Her enthusiasm led her to pick some challenging arrangements, but she said she’s been thrilled by the response of the choir members.
According to Gregg, the two most challenging pieces may be the “Magnificat” and the “Nunc Dimittis,” both arranged by Herbert Howells. Despite the complicated meter, musical asymmetry, difficult entrances, and interwoven lines of the pieces, the choir has responded positively to the music.
“It’s interesting to see Howell’s modern take on these very timeless texts that have been arranged in a million ways,” Gregg said. “It’s incredibly beautiful. It’s a challenge to the group, but they like to be challenged, and they like to tackle something that feels monumental. It’s rewarding.”
Her choir members — eight of whom are students at Hillsdale College — agree.
“The music is really beautiful,” senior Eleanor Smith said. “The entire process has been really fun. I’m most excited for our main pieces — the ‘Magnificat’ and the ‘Nunc Dimittis.’”
The choir faces another challenge as well: small size. With only about 12 members in the choir typically, Casey contacted vocal students at the college suggested by Music Department Chair James Holleman. Even so, some parts have only two people.
“It takes a lot of practice, confidence, and work from home, but the choir has come really prepared to take the next step,” Gregg said.
Sophomore Jacob Hann said he was thrilled with the opportunity.
“For me, it’s fascinating to be a part of a liturgical service that involves the congregation,” he said. “It’s something I’m not used to and I like experiencing new things like that.”