Choral Evensong
Choral Evensong
In the midst of our busy, noisy world, Evensong offers a sacred pause—a threshold between the demands of the day and the quiet of evening. This ancient service of sung prayer invites you into a space of beauty, reflection, and peace.
As daylight fades, we gather to rest in the presence of the holy. Through centuries-old scripture, glorious choral music and silence, Evensong creates a contemplative atmosphere that prepares both body and spirit for a restful night.
What is Evensong? Where did it come from?
Evensong is a service of evening prayer from the Anglican tradition, combining the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline. It emerged during the English Reformation in the 16th century when Archbishop Thomas Cranmer crafted a vernacular form of worship that preserved the contemplative rhythm of monastic prayer while making it accessible to all people.
At its heart, Evensong is sung prayer. The service flows through psalms, scripture readings, canticles (ancient songs like the Magnificat), and prayers, most of which are sung by the choir. This musical structure creates a meditative quality—the words wash over you, inviting contemplation rather than demanding intellectual engagement. For over 450 years, communities have gathered at day's end to let go of the world's urgency and enter a space where time seems to slow, where beauty and silence speak as eloquently as words. We continue this tradition monthly here at the Cathedral.
Do I need to be religious to attend?
Not at all. Evensong welcomes everyone, regardless of faith or background. You don't need to believe anything particular or be familiar with Christian practices to find meaning in this service.
Many who attend regularly describe themselves as spiritual seekers, cultural appreciators of sacred music, or simply people looking for a moment of tranquility. The contemplative nature of Evensong speaks to the universal human need for silence, beauty, and reflection—needs that transcend religious boundaries. At the same time, many describe Evensong as "the" Anglican worship experience - proudly displaying the Anglican aesthetic and emphasis on beauty in worship—beauty in the spoken word, music, and in our sacred space.
Come as you are. Whether you're seeking God, seeking peace, seeking beauty, or simply seeking respite from the relentless pace of modern life, there is a place for you in this gathering.
What should I expect? Do I have to do anything?
The beauty of Evensong is its simplicity and the freedom it offers. When you arrive, you'll find a peaceful space, often lit by candles as evening descends. You may sit anywhere you like and simply allow the service to unfold around you.
The choir does most of the "work", singing the prayers and responses. You're welcome to follow along in the service booklet, join in the spoken responses and prayers if you wish, or simply sit in silence and let the music and words create a contemplative atmosphere. There's no pressure to perform or participate in any particular way.
Think of yourself not as an audience member, but as someone entering a sacred time outside of time. You might find your mind wandering—that's perfectly natural. You might feel peaceful, emotional, or simply still. All responses are valid.
The service typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Afterward, you're welcome to sit in silence, light a candle, or simply step back into the evening refreshed and restored. The Cathedral staff and congregation also hosts light receptions following Evensong, providing a unique opportunity to talk with us about the service or Cathedral life in general. All are welcome to attend.
Evensong is not about doing, but about being—being present, being still, being open to whatever the evening and the music might offer your soul. It's a gift of time set apart, preparing you to carry a sense of peace and centeredness into the night ahead.