Orthodox Singers to Gather in Arizona for Inaugural Southwest Choral Symposium

Photo: kurskrootroc.com

YOUNGTOWN, AZ — The inaugural Southwest Choral Symposium will take place February 5–8 in the Phoenix area, bringing together Orthodox singers, chanters, and choir leaders for an intensive exploration of Russian Orthodox liturgical music in English. Organized by Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church of the Kursk Root Icon and hosted by the ROCOR Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Youngtown, Arizona, the event is supported by faculty from the Synodal School of Liturgical Music (SSLM).

Designed especially for small mission choirs, the working symposium will focus on the practical, theological, and cultural foundations of Russian Orthodox church music, with hands-on rehearsals, lectures, and breakout sessions. Participants will sing the Saturday Vigil for the Holy New Martyrs of Russia and the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Open to singers of all experience levels, the symposium emphasizes musical skill, leadership development, and fidelity to Orthodox liturgical tradition while addressing the unique challenges of singing in English.

Event registration can be found here. Early-bird registration is $175 but is $200 after January 11. Registration covers meals, music notes and materials, and so forth. 

Previously, the UOJ reported on the release of the liturgical music for the feast of St. Olga of Alaska. 

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