Choral Evensong for Michaelmas
and David Willcocks Centenary, with the Choir of St. Peter’s, Erindale
Sunday, September 29, 4 p.m.
The service is followed by Peach Tea, during which the choir’s director Clement Carelse discusses the life of Sir David (1919-2015), whom he knew while at King’s College, Cambridge. The British choral conductor, organist and composer is most famous for his work at King’s, where he led the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (1957-74). Contributions appreciated.
Autumn series: A History of Private Prayer
Fridays, September 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 6 p.m.
A service of Evening Prayer at 6 p.m. is followed by a light supper at 6:30. At 7, the Rev’d Alexandra Pohlod, St. Olave’s Assistant Curate, presents a series on private prayer throughout history:
- September 13 – the Early Church
- September 20 – the Middle Ages
- September 27 – the Reformation
- October 4 – Today
Contributions appreciated.
Incredible India
Friday, October 18, 6 p.m.
A service of Evening Prayer at 6 p.m. is followed by a light supper at 6:30, then at 7, Debbie Cowling presents an illustrated feature talk on a land of contrasts, with a rich history, where many religions co-exist, usually in peace. Her slides include the Taj Mahal, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, a tiger safari and Goa’s beautiful beaches and spectacular churches. Contributions appreciated.
Choral Evensong for St. Simon & St. Jude
with St. James’s Cathedral Choir
Sunday, October 27, 4:30 p.m.
The service is followed by Pumpkin High Tea, during which the Cathedral’s music director, Robert Busiakiewicz, discusses his life in music as composer, conductor and tenor, including his early years in Vienna, Stratford, London and at King’s College, Cambridge; plus later performances in Sydney, New York, Washington and across Europe. Contributions appreciated. (Michael Hudson photo)
Friday, November 20, 6 p.m.
The Future of the Church in the City
A service of Evening Prayer at 6 p.m. is followed by a light supper at 6.30, then at 7 Dr. Douglas Stoute looks forward at a time of uncertainty for the Christian church. As Dean of Toronto, he was responsible for St. James Cathedral for over 21 years, until 2016. Contributions appreciated.
Friday, December 1, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for Advent Sunday
with Voices chamber choir
The service is followed by Christmas Tea, then at 5, St. Olave’s Arts Guild presents light music and light entertainment, including drama, poetry, music and songs. Contributions appreciated.
Friday, January 5, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for Epiphany Eve
The service is followed by Epiphany Tea then at 5, founder Lana Chou Hoyt directs City Flutes in another sequence of glorious classical, popular and contemporary flute pieces for the season. Contributions appreciated.
Friday, January 24, 6 p.m.
Toronto Church Architecture
A service of Evening Prayer is followed by light supper at 6.30 then at 7, Dr. Carl Benn from Ryerson University’s Department of History, discusses the diversities of Toronto church architecture, from the Neoclassical visions of the Georgians to the Gothic Revival and eclectic tastes of the Victorians. Contributions appreciated.
Sunday, February 9, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for the Queen’s Accession
with Schola Ecclesiam
The service is followed by Royal Festive Tea, during which the choir’s director Clement Carelse presents an illustrated feature on what we now call the First Viennese School of composers, which includes Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert. This marks the start of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year. Contributions appreciated.
Sunday, March 1, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for the First Sunday in Lent
with the Healey Willan Singers
The service is followed by light refreshments then at 5, historian and liturgist Dr. Jesse Billett of University of Toronto presents From Plainsong to Anglican Chant, explains and illustrates the gradual transition from the plainsong of Gregorian chant to the glorious Anglican styles of today. Contributions appreciated.
Wednesdays in Lent, March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1
Lenten Series: The Beauty of Holiness
with the Rev’d Rob Mitchell and the Rev’d Alexandra Pohlod
A service of Evening Prayer is followed by light supper at 6.30, then at 7 Rob Mitchell and Alexandra Pohlod explore the details of traditional Anglican worship: the structure of Prayer Book services, the items used in worship, the clothing worn by the clergy, and other features that make Anglican services so beautiful. First of five Wednesdays; continues to April 1. Contributions appreciated.
Wednesdays in Eastertide, April 22, 29, May 6, May 13
Eastertide Series: The Art of the Prayerbook
A service of Evening Prayer is followed by light supper at 6.30, then at 7, Dr. Schuyler Brown discusses John Wall’s major book Transformations of the Word. First of four Wednesdays; continues to May 13. Contributions appreciated.
Sunday, April 26, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for St. George
with St. Olave’s Choir
The service is followed by St. George’s Tea then at 5, St. Olave’s Arts Guild presents drama, poetry, music and songs, including excerpts from George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Joanna Cannon’s The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. Contributions appreciated.
Sunday, June 7, 4 p.m.
Choral Evensong for Trinity Sunday
with St. Olave’s Choir
The service is followed by Strawberry Tea then at 5, guitarist Doug Hibovski presents Mystics and Music for a Summer Afternoon. Doug will be joined by experienced musicians from his Bloor West Music Studios for a delightful sequence of popular, classical and cross-over music. Contributions appreciated.
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