Co-Sponsored by The St. Paul's Choristers  and invited soloists

The Saint Paul’s Choir of men and Boys performs a polyphonic setting of psalms, hymns, and readings within a Sunday Vespers service.

In the lecture and discussion before Vespers, Deacon Tim O’Donnell and James Kennerley, FRCO, examine the history and structure of vespers within the Church’s life, the theological and spiritual insights expressed in this form of prayer and in the particular vespers texts of this day, the historical and ecclesial context of the music chosen, and the way of integrating this music into a contemporary vespers service.

The St. Paul’s Choristers is associated with the St. Paul’s Choir School, founded in 1963 by Dr. Theodore Marier, the only Catholic boys’ choir school in the United States. The Boys’ Choir sings during term time at daily and Sunday Masses, and at a weekly Choral Vespers. The Choir has toured and performed throughout North America and Europe and made numerous recordings.

Deacon Tim O’Donnell has written and taught in the areas of Scripture, ecclesiology, and the theology of ministry. His articles have appeared in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Worship, and Theological Studies. He teaches in the Diaconate Formation Program for the Archdiocese of Boston, including in particular the psalms and canticles in the Liturgy of the Hours. Deacon Tim has an A.B. from Harvard and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He is Executive Director of the Harvard Catholic Forum.

James Kennerley is Director of Music at the St. Paul’s Choir School and at St. Paul’s Harvard Square. Rooted in the English choir school tradition, he is an internationally known organist, vocalist, and director.  Educated at Cambridge University, Mr. Kennerley was Organ Scholar at Jesus College and later at St. Paul’s Cathedral London. He has frequently given solo organ concerts throughout the U.S. and Europe.