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# Orthodox Church Musicians Gather in Chicago for Annual Conference
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/orthodox-church-musicians-gather-in-chicago-for-annual-conference/
- Published: 2026-10-19T16:55:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-19T16:55:16.000Z
- Description: Church musicians from across North America gathered in Chicago to study Orthodox liturgical music and its traditions.
- Author: Victor Boldewskul Jr.
- Tags: ROCOR, Diocese of the Midwest, Choral Music, #Category: News

**CHICAGO —** More than 100 Orthodox church musicians gathered in Chicago from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 for the 33rd annual [Russian Orthodox Church Musicians Conference](https://chicagodiocese.org/news/1222/33rd-annual-russian-orthodox-church-musicians/). The event brought together 116 conductors, singers, and readers from across North America and beyond, including participants from Alaska and Trinidad. Workshops covered vocal technique, conducting, intonation, and choir performance under the theme “Achieving the Ideal Orthodox Sound.”

This year’s conference also marked the 100th anniversary of Alexander Kastalsky’s death, a prominent Russian church music composer. Lectures explored his contributions to Orthodox choral music, particularly his work with Znamenny chant, an ancient tradition of Russian Orthodox liturgical singing.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/10/PAV-1-2-1350x1012-1.jpg)On this topicYoung Aspiring Chanters Conference to Gather in Dallas](https://uoj.news/news/young-aspiring-chanters-conference-to-gather-in-dallas/)

Liturgical services formed another part of the gathering, with participants performing music by Kastalsky and other composers. The services were led by Bp. Spyridon of Chicago and the Midwest and Bp. Feodosy of Manhattan.

The conference brought together musicians from established parishes and newer missions, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss the challenges of maintaining church choirs. The gathering also highlighted the role of liturgical music in preserving Orthodox traditions and connecting communities across geographical boundaries.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/dayton-liturgical-music-workshop-to-benefit-orthodox-seminarians/) on the Dayton liturgical music workshop for seminarians.