Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa | Anglican Church in Ottawa, ON

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying what has been a lovely spell of warm spring weather! As some of you may know, last Thursday Bishop Parker announced his decision not to move the Diocese into the AMBER stage of re-opening; we will remain with the now familiar RED stage restrictions for the time being including for Holy Week and Easter.

Sadly, this will be a second Holy Week and Easter in a row observed and celebrated without the full complement of our choral ministry. Everyone - the Dean, assisting clergy, Andrew, and I - all of us grieve deeply this musical drought and the continued absence of our Choirs from this place.

As the vaccination campaign in this country gains momentum we ought to see an improvement in the public health metrics such that restrictions can gradually be loosened and lifted especially as concerns liturgy and music. That moment is not now - though, God willing, it approaches and we will be ready for it.

Now, however, is the moment to continue to (as Bishop Parker writes) "...rely on our expertise, creativity, collaboration, and strong faith to mark this holiest time in the Christian calendar with intention, conviction, and hope..." .

The Cathedral will offer sung services for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Day led by a variety of cantor teams from all three Choirs. Additionally, on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week we will offer a sung midday eucharist. This, it's worth remembering, is a big improvement on what we were confined to this time last year. Additionally, on the afternoon of Good Friday the Girls' Choir will release a (COVID-compliant) sacred concert video of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater" - the first time since 2019 that that work has been heard here. Then, in the weeks after Easter, we will be producing and releasing a series of four video recitals featuring Cathedral and community artists performing in the splendour of our Cathedral's sanctuary - stay tuned for a poster announcement on that shortly.

I hope you will follow the services over the coming week or so via our YouTube channel. The seismic narrative arc that takes us from Palm/Passion Sunday through the Triduum to Easter morning has inspired some of the most profound and gripping musical expression - as you well know! It is best and most richly experienced in its totality. We have intentionally located familiar choral works and hymn descants throughout the week; think "Greater Love", "Set me as a seal", "Ubi caritas", "This Joyful Eastertide". Since they can only be sung in person by two (2) cantors, I'm relying on you to fill in the gaps as I know only you are able:)

Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement with our Music Ministry and for the patient and positive attitude you have shown throughout this challenging year.

James Calkin

Please continue to pray and give thanks for our music ministry, all choristers, organists and Directors of Music, during these pandemic days.