The Sounds at St. Philip's music series will present a year-long series of Choral Evensongs in 2023-24, inviting everyone to experience this centuries-old tradition of sung prayers and psalms led by the choirs of St. Philip's and guest chamber artists.

Each event begins at 5:00 pm in the church. It's a beautiful way to conclude the day with a peaceful, intimate offering of evening music. Admission is free and all are welcome.

The series begins Friday, September 29, celebrating Michaelmas (the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels) with guest artists Amethyst Baroque Ensemble of Atlanta.

The remaining season includes:

Sunday, November 5: The Feast of All Saints with ABC Viol Consort

Friday, February 9, 2024: Candlemas (the Feast of the Presentation) with Jonas McCanless, guitar, and music for Black History Month

Sunday, May 19, 2024: A Celebration of St. Mary featuring women composers, with guest artist Eclectic Collective.

Read more about our visiting artists:

Amethyst Baroque Ensemble

Amethyst Baroque Ensemble was formed in 2017 by Athens-based harpsichordist Dr. Alexandra Snyder Dunbar and Atlanta-based recorder player Jody Miller. Adrin Akins (countertenor) and Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), the two other core ensemble members, joined the duo in 2018 to share the rich repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries. The ensemble has collaborated with Daniel McCarthy (viola), Erik Schmalz (sackbut), Macarena Sanchez (cello), Gregory Hamilton (theorbo), and other early music specialists in concerts that range from the instrumental sonatas and canzonas to the vocal secular and sacred cantatas that are otherwise seldom performed in the region. Amethyst Baroque has performed as part of concert series at University of North Georgia, Piedmont College, Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Athens), and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta).

ABC Viol Consort

Gail Ann Schroeder, Artistic Director of Asheville Baroque Concerts, brings together a Viol Consort – an ensemble of different viols playing together, especially popular in Baroque England. Gail studied viola da gamba at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels with Wieland Kuijken, obtaining her First Prize and Higher Diploma, with distinction. She subsequently taught viola da gamba, pedagogy and directed the viol consort at the Brussels Conservatory from 1988 to 2002.

Gail has had an extensive career as soloist and as chamber musician, concertizing and recording with numerous ensembles and performing in many European festivals. Since returning to the USA in 2006, she has been in demand as a teacher and ensemble coach at workshops for the Viola da Gamba Society of America, the Amherst Early Music Festival, Madison Early Music Festival, Music on the Mountain, Retreat to Advance and Mountain Collegium, where she is assistant director and head of the viol program. In December 2022 she performed with the Reel Sisters for the Sounds at St. Philip's program titled "Reel Baroque."

Jonas McCanless

Jonas is a senior at Brevard College working towards a BA in music with a minor in psychology. He is primarily a classical guitar student, participating in the college’s classical guitar ensemble and playing electric bass in the jazz combo. Additionally, he has taken voice lessons under Dr. Brittnee Siemon, as well as lessons in piano, pipe organ, and composition. Along with singing baritone in the St. Philips Chancel Choir, he participates in the two vocal ensembles at the college. When not studying or playing music, he may be found climbing a tree, riding bikes with friends, or enjoying a nice hot beverage.

Eclectic Collective

Prior to the standardized instrumentation of the modern orchestra, ensembles were usually made up of whomever was available to play or sing. This level of spontaneity allowed for freedom of expression and a wide range of tonal colors. Eclectic Collective members Kelly Brzozowski (harp, early winds), Rosalind Buda (early and modern woodwinds), Sarah Dietrich (percussion), and Jody Miller (early and modern woodwinds) explore combinations of wind, string, and percussion instruments that enjoyed popularity at different times in history. From the Medieval dances popular in the streets of 13th century Italy to the contemporary art music that evolved from these very same rhythms and melodies, the ensemble presents music that is fresh and full of tonal color.