Compline

Compline at Christ Church began in 1997 with the desire to provide a service to the community in which art and liturgy were seamlessly interwoven. The ancient and historic Office of Compline became the ideal model for such a service. Compline marks the close of the "Hours of the Divine Office", and its orgins date back to the 4th Century monastic custom of private prayer and devotion before retiring.

St. Benedict is responsible for the name of the office, its liturgical character and arrangement.

The Schola Cantorum sings Compline at Christ Church every Sunday at 9:00pm from October through April

Christ Church Schola Cantorum

The Christ Church Schola Cantorum of Rochester, New York, was founded by Stephen Kennedy. Since its inception in 1997, the Schola has sung the Ofiice of Compline every Sunday evening from October through April, under Kennedy's direction. the Schola is also a course in Eastman School of Music's department of Sacred Music. Specializing in music of the Baroque and Renaissance, the ensemble has been featured in varioius festivals and concert series, including the annual Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative Festival, the Rochester Early Music Festival, as well as collaborations with the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery and the Rochester City Ballet. The ensemble is also devoted to new music, and it has commissioned, premiered, and recoreded works by a growing list of composers. Its 2004 debut album, distributed by Gothic Records has garnered critical acclaim. The group's most recent recording of music of David Conte was released in September 2008 on the ARSIS label. The Schola comprised Rochester-area musicians and Eastman School of Music faculty and students, all of whom volunteer their time and talent.

Candlelight Concerts

Candlelight Concerts precede Compline at 8:30pm each first Sunday of each month from October through April. Concerts given by fine local musicians are underwritten by contributions from Christ Church Friends of Music.

Christ Church Friends of Music

The Christ Church Friends of Music fund makes these concerts possible. If you would like to become a Christ Church Friend of Music, please send a check for $25 or more to Christ Church, 141 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14604. Mark Christ Church Friend of Music on the check.