Choir of the Church of the Advent

The Choir of the Church of the Advent, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a renowned ensemble rooted in the rich liturgical tradition of its historic Episcopal parish. Founded in 1844, the Church of the Advent has long been celebrated for its Anglo-Catholic heritage and commitment to musical excellence. The choir specializes in sacred polyphony and Renaissance works, often spotlighting composers like Francisco Guerrero, Jacobus Clemens non Papa, and Pierre de Manchicourt—artists whose intricate choral textures shine in the church’s acoustically vibrant space. Their recordings, including recent releases like *Guerrero: Masses & Motets* and *H. Praetorius: Sacred Music for Double Chorus*, reflect a dedication to both liturgical relevance and historical scholarship.

Under the direction of musicians like Mark Sullivan (the parish’s longtime organist and choirmaster until his retirement in 2022), the choir has earned acclaim for its nuanced interpretations and crisp clarity, particularly in lesser-known Renaissance repertoire. Blending professional section leaders with skilled volunteers, they maintain a rigorous schedule of services, concerts, and recordings, often collaborating with early music specialists to honor period performance practices. Whether chanting Gregorian liturgy or navigating dense Franco-Flemish polyphony, the ensemble remains a beacon for sacred music lovers—proof that ancient harmonies still feel alive in the right hands (and voices!).

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