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The Old North Church
community recognizes music as an opportunity for religious expression, reflection and renewal as an integral part of worship. The music program, directed by Libor Dudas, includes a chamber choir, guest choirs and a Sunday evening concert series.
Music Director
Libor
Dudas is music director at Old North Church. A native of Croatia, educated in the former Yugoslavia and Vienna, Austria, Dudas completed his formal training in the United States at the University of Notre Dame and at the New England Conservatory, where he was the first to receive a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Organ Performance.
In addition to directing music-related activities at Old North, Dudas serves on the faculty at the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School and the Boston Conservatory of Music. He is also music director of the Fine Arts Chorale.
As an organist and forte pianist, Dudas has performed throughout North America and Europe. He is also active as a vocal coach and collaborative pianist.
Old North Chamber Choir
The
Old North Chamber Choir sings at 11 a.m. Sunday services and at special services celebrating religious and historical events. Reflecting the significant role of music in the Episcopalian liturgy, the Sunday services at Old North include organ preludes and postludes as well as psalms and hymns sung by the chamber choir and congregation. The choir sings several anthems at each service reflecting a broad range of musical styles and traditions. On a given Sunday, the congregation may hear music that ranges from Gregorian chants to compositions by Aaron Copland.
The choir consists of volunteers from the congregation and paid professional section leaders. With the exception of July and August, the choir meets twice a week to rehearse: Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm and Sundays prior to the service.
Those wishing information about joining the choir as volunteers or as paid professionals are encouraged to contact Old North at (617) 523-6766 and leave a message for Libor Dudas.
Guest Choirs
The Old North
welcomes guest choirs to perform at Sunday morning services. To make arrangements, contact the church at (617) 523-6676.
All-In Sundays — Sing with the Choir!
Starting in Fall 2006, Old North is sponsoring a series of "All-In Sundays." Members of the congregation are invited to rehearse and sing with the choir at designated services. Those interested in participating in the All-In program should contact the church at (617) 523-6676.
Concerts at Old North
A schedule of Sunday evening concerts at Old North is announced in January and September of each year. Due to its outstanding acoustics and historical significance, the church is a highly desirable performance space, which attracts performers of classical and contemporary music from throughout the world.
Those who live nearby are invited to take some time on a Sunday evening to come to Old North for a bit of musical inspiration. If attending an Old North concert involves a commute, make one of our events part of a North End outing. The ushers can suggest outstanding neighborhood shops and eateries.
The Organ
The
church's first organ was installed at Old North in 1736. In 1759, the church commissioned Thomas Johnson to install a new organ. The instrument has been rebuilt several times, but a number of components from the Johnson era remain.
Bell Ringers
The
first church bells heard in North America were cast by Abel Rudhall in Gloucester, England, paid for by public subscription and installed in the steeple of Old North in 1745. Five years later, Paul Revere, then a young man of 15, formed a guild of bellringers. The tradition continues today, with ringing by members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Guild of Bellringers, whose peals begin during 11 a.m. Sunday services.
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