Music

In the second half of the 19th Century,Christ Church was the cathedral church for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. The beauty, inspiration
and dignity of the Anglican form of worship have inspired composers of music for worship in the Anglican tradition since the days of the
English Reformation, especially in the cathedral churches. Christ Church is certainly no exception, and inspiring music from this treasure
trove of composition has been an essential part of worship at Christ Church since the days when it was the cathedral church.Christ Church ha a
fine “chime” of bells cast in Troy, New York, and installed its tower in 1874. They are played manually by two chimers prior to the 10:15
service each Sunday and for special services.

Christ Church also participates in or co-produces many musical events which are part of the annual Fall Festival of the Arts , sometimes by
hosting recitals and choral concerts by outside artists. Past seasons have included major choral concerts conducted by internationally known
maestros Robert Page, conductor of the Pittsburgh Mendelssohn Club, and David Hayes, conductor of the Philadelphia Singers. Often the
choral ensemble centers on talented singers from Christ Church and Trinity Lutheran.

In addition to the 10:15 Sunday services, these talented and dedicated musicians and choir members provide music for many special services,
including magnificent Christmas Eve and Easter Choral Eucharists. On some festive occasions, instruments are added. Several times per
year our choir joins forces with the choir of our covenant partner, Trinity Lutheran Church. These services include the annual Covenant Service,
a Sunday afternoon choral Evensong, and the annual Easter Vigil.

Reading Choral Society holds it weekly rehearsals in our Parish Hall.

Our Sunday services include a 10:15 celebration
of the Holy Eucharist with music primarily of
recognized masters of church composition. This
ranges from plainchants that go back to the
origins of the Christian church, traditional
Anglican chants, anthems, motets and carols
from the Renaissance and High Baroque periods
to jubilant and rhythmic new compositions by
contemporary masters. Regardless of its style
and era, all of our music is chosen for its quality
and spiritual depth. The church’s Victorian
Gothic architecture, its excellent acoustics and
its organ and choir are exceptionally well suited
to be the vehicles for the incorporation of this
timeless and deeply-inspired repertoire into our
worship experience.

MUSIC

Our organist, Bruce Bengtson, has served Christ church
for over 35 years and has carefully supervised the care
and improvement of our fine pipe organ. He generally
presents a solo recital in late January to brighten the
dark days of winter and serve as an outreach into the
greater Reading community. In addition, he plays a
half-hour concert of organ music for Christmas just
before the Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve.

Our Choir Director/Assistant Organist Jim Wilson
leads a volunteer adult choir of about 10-15 people, all of whom
are capable singers, including several with professional
experience on the concert and opera stage. These singers are
supplemented by occasional guest soloists. Our Choir Director
is delighted to audition new members interested in joining the
choir on a permanent basis. A solo-quality voice or professional
singing background is not required; but an attractive voice, the
ability to read music on a basic level, and the ability
to learn new music reasonably quickly are highly desirable.