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Des Plaines Cathedral to Host 33rd Orthodox Musicians’ Conference
Orthodox church musicians will gather in the Chicago area to pursue the enduring challenge of achieving the ideal choral sound.
DES PLAINES, IL — The 33rd Annual Russian Orthodox Musicians’ Conference will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, bringing church musicians together for lectures, workshops, rehearsals, and hierarchical services focused on the theme “Achieving the Ideal Orthodox Choral Sound.”
The 2026 conference will examine pitch, vocal quality, and the balance of voices, while also giving special attention to the development of church singing in English-language parishes and missions. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the repose of Alexander Kastalsky, whose contribution to Russian Orthodox church music will be among the subjects explored.
Conference speakers include Archpriest Andre Papkov, Aleksandr Andreev, Katya Ermolaeva, Mathieu Malinine, Timothy Morrow, Olga Saad Karam, Kurt Sander, and Marie Sokolova. Lectures, rehearsals, and meals will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rosemont, with the gathering culminating in hierarchical divine services at Holy Virgin Protection Diocesan Cathedral.
The registration fee includes lodging, meals, lectures, and rehearsals, with additional fellowship events planned throughout the conference. Registration remains open through Sept. 1. Metr. Nicholas has also issued a directive supporting the work of the conference.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Antiochian Online Music School opened registration for fall 2026.
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