As part of our cathedral’s music program, the Music Series is called to offer its musical riches to the wider community so that all can experience the unique acoustical environment, superb pipe organs, and talented musicians dedicated to making music in a sacred space. Concerts have both in-person and livestreamed ticket options.
Please note: the spaces of the cathedral building are frequently made available to community and touring groups as a performance venue. Such events are NOT listed on this page—the Saint Mark's Music Series is an annual series of concerts organized and presented by the cathedral itself. Public performances by outside groups can often be found on the cathedral Events Calendar.
TO ATTEND OR WATCH A CONCERT:
Links to purchase either an in-person or livestreamed concert ticket are available through Eventbrite below. Tickets may be purchased at the door as well. After you purchase your ticket, the link to watch the livestream will be emailed to you as the time of the concert approaches, or sometimes included in your confirmation email.
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DONATE:
Make a one-time donation by donating here, via Venmo (@SaintMarksCathedralSeattle), or by mailing a check (memo: Music Series). Become a Friend of the Music Series and give annually to sustain the series, making it possible for Saint Mark’s to share its musical riches with the wider community at very modest ticket prices. If you wish to sponsor upcoming events please contact Canon Michael Kleinschmidt. Thank you for your support!
NOTE:
After Thursday, May 11, the cathedral will be discontinuing the mask recommendation and the "distanced section" in the nave. Learn more here.
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
All Bach on the Flentrop Organ
Nathan Laube, organ
Nathan Laube is a leading performer and pedagogue who is beloved around the world. He is Associate Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music, as well as International Consultant in Organ Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom. Known for his brilliant playing, gracious demeanor, and creative programming, Mr. Laube has earned high praise from critics and peers alike. Saint Mark’s is delighted to welcome him for 2023’s annual all-Bach concert on the Flentrop.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
& SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023, 2:30 P.M.
(two identical performances)
Biber’s Mystery Sonatas in Thomsen Chapel
Tekla Cunningham, baroque violin
The Mystery Sonatas (also known as Rosary Sonatas) by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644–1704) are incredibly virtuosic meditations for violin on Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. They comprise three sets: The “Joyful,” “Sorrowful,” and “Glorious” Mysteries. Baroque violinist Tekla Cunningham will perform the whole cycle in various area venues this season, offering Set Two—the intensely expressive “Sorrowful Mysteries”—in the intimacy of Saint Mark’s Thomsen Chapel during the season of Lent. Joining her are Henry Lebedinsky on organ and harpsichord, and David Morris on viola da gamba and lirone.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
James Falzone’s Sighs Too Deep for Words
Join acclaimed clarinetist, penny whistle player, composer and improvisor (and Saint Mark’s parishioner) James Falzone for a night of original music composed specifically for the distinct acoustical environment of Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Joining James will be vocalist and sound artist Johnaye Kendrick; pianist, vocalist, and sound artist Kaley Lane Eaton; and Palestinian/American oud player and vocalist Ronnie Malley.
PART 1: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7:30 P.M.
PART 2: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 7:30 P.M.
WORKSHOPS: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 9 A.M.–12 P.M.
The Complete Organ Works of César Franck
Adam Pajan & Joseph Arndt, organists
presented in conjunction with the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of César Franck (1822–1890), organists Adam Pajan and Joseph Arndt will offer his complete works for organ over the course of two consecutive evenings. Rich in soaring melodies and soul-satisfying harmonies, Franck’s organ works are as important in the history and development of organ literature as those by Bach and Messiaen. Adam Pajan and Joseph Arndt are two of the world’s leading young organists. In addition to Seattle, their “Franck Bicentennial Tour” will take them to Houston, Dallas, New York City, Denver, and Tulsa.
On Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, Pajan and Arndt will offer two workshops (with a coffee & pastry break in between). The first workshop, on “Franck’s Life and Times,” is offered 9 to 10:15 a.m. The second workshop, which runs from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., will address adapting Franck’s published choices of organ stops (intended for 19th-century French organs) to organs in 20th-century American churches. All are welcome. One ticket gives you admission to both concerts and the workshops.
Members of the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists receive complimentary admission to all by showing their membership badge. One admission per badge; guests of members must purchase a ticket. Seattle AGO Members who wish to watch the livestream, please contact Canon Michael Kleinschmidt.
PROGRAM (FRIDAY)
Six Pièces, Op. 16–21 (FWV 28–33)
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- Fantaisie in C Major
- Grand pièce symphonique in F-sharp Minor
- Prélude, fugue, et variation in B Minor
- Pastorale in E Major
- Prière in C-sharp Minor
- Final in B-flat Major
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PROGRAM (SATURDAY)
Trois Pièces, FWV 35–37
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- Fantaisie in A Major
- Cantabile in B Major
- Pièce héroïque in B Minor
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Trois Chorals, FWV 38–40
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- No. 1 in E Major
- No. 2 in B Minor
- No. 3 in A Minor
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CHORAL EVENSONG
FIRST SUNDAYS, OCTOBER–JUNE, 4:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave, and livestreamed
Choral Evensong is a treasure among Christian liturgies in the Anglican tradition. Saint Mark’s Evensong Choir comprises an adult subgroup of the Cathedral Choir and advanced teens and younger choristers of the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choir School. In August of 2022, this choir sang daily Evensong as choir-in-residence for one week each at Chichester and Bristol Cathedrals, England. They previously had served residencies at Ely Cathedral and Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, in the summer of 2018. Learn more about the Evensong Choir here.
OCTOBER 2, 2022 - The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, observed
NOVEMBER 6, 2022 - The Feast of All Saints, observed (with a Celebration of Bishop Greg & Marti Rickel)
DECEMBER 4, 2022 - The Second Sunday of Advent
JANUARY 1, 2023 - The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
FEBRUARY 5, 2023 - The Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas), observed
MARCH 5, 2023 - The Second Sunday in Lent
APRIL 2, 2023 - Palm Sunday
MAY 7, 2023 - The Seventh Sunday of Easter
June 4, 2023 - Trinity Sunday
The "O" Antiphons: Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols
Sunday, November 27, 2022, 7 p.m.
This beloved annual liturgy of music and pageantry celebrates the beginning of Advent—the season of longing, vigilance, and expectation in preparation for Christmas. Sung by the Cathedral Choir, Compline Choir, and Senior Choristers of Saint Mark’s Choir School. Offered in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed.
The Pageant of the Nativity
Tuesday, December 20, 7 p.m.
Choir School choristers, Evensong Choir and young children of Saint Mark’s join forces in this dramatic telling of the Nativity story.
Since its inception in 2015, Saint Mark’s Pageant of the Nativity has brought together the choirs and children of the community with costumes of cathedral finery, visual art displayed within cathedral architecture, and special instrumental accompaniment to reflect upon the Nativity of Christ as told in Holy Scripture. Hymns, carols, and choir anthems range from medieval chant to 21st-century world premieres. The 2021 version of the Pageant will be informed by current pandemic-era protocols.