The Cathedral of St. Paul has a strong history of excellence in sacred music.
Music has played an integral role in connecting us to our church’s history,
Episcopal tradition, and to God.

We are committed to continuing the rich heritage of the Anglican choral tradition including music drawn from centuries worth of musical styles. Whether through an anthem sung by the choir, a hymn with the while congregation, or an organ postlude, lives can be transformed and Christ is present. 

As the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, St. Paul’s is an important musical presence in the community and prides itself on a standard of excellence in sacred music and liturgy.

Our choir leads the singing for our 10:00 A.M. Sunday Service every Sunday.

It is a group of mixed adult singers from all over the Erie area.

The Cathedral Choir also sings Choral Evensong, concerts and services of Lessons and Carols throughout the year.

In 2017 they recorded a CD of spiritual arrangements by Harry T. Burleigh, Erie native,
former chorister and communicant of St. Paul’s.  

From The Cathedral of St. Paul’s Celebration of Absalom Jones, the first African American Priest, the Cathedral Choir with members of the Choirs of Mercyhurst University share Harry T. Burleigh’s setting of the Lord’s Prayer. Burleigh grew up in Erie, PA and sang as a chorister at this church, before it became a cathedral. A stained glass window was made in his honor that illustrates the score to his hymn, “In Christ there is no East nor West.” Directed by Dr. Christopher T. Petit.

Upcoming Musical Events

Candlelight Compline
Compline, derived from the Latin completorium, meaning “completion,” is the final prayer of the day in the Divine Offices. This serene and reflective service marks the close of the waking hours, offering a moment of peace and tranquility. A small choral ensemble leads a completely sung 25-minute service in candlelight. Modeled after the ancient practices in convents and monasteries, the prayers are chanted in both English and Latin, alternating with Renaissance and contemporary choral settings.

Compline is offered every Wednesday during Lent, from March 19 to April 9, at 9:00 P.M. in the
Cathedral’s Chapel. All are welcome to come and complete their day in peaceful prayer.

Stations & Spirituals at the Cathedral
Join us for an evening of reflection and music at Stations and Spirituals on Sunday, March 30 at 5:00 P.M. at the Cathedral. This special service honors the Stations of the Cross with a unique blend of congregational hymns inspired by Spirituals and artful solo settings by African American composers. All are welcome to attend and experience this powerful combination of faith and music.

First Friday Jazz Vespers
The Cathedral is bringing Sacred Jazz to Erie on Friday, April 4 at 6:15 P.M. in the Cathedral. We invite you to experience ancient and contemporary coming together though readings, poetry and music. You are invited to bring your own refreshments.

Their most recent trip abroad was in August of 2018 to sing Sunday services at Coventry Cathedral and a week’s residency at Christ Church, Oxford.  Other trips abroad for residencies in 2007 and 2010 have been to Canterbury Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral and the American Cathedral in Paris.

The Cathedral of St. Paul is home to one of the finest pipe organs in the region. 

The organ was built by Rieger Orgelbau of Vorarlberg, Austria and was installed at the Cathedral in 1982. 

The three-manual mechanical action instrument contains 60 ranks of pipes and 40 stops.  The organ also features modern solid state combination action allowing for 100 levels of memory. 

More detailed specifications and stop list can be provided upon request.

Baldwin Grand Piano at the Cathedral

The Cathedral has a new resident: a Baldwin grand piano from c. 1979-1980. Perhaps less well-know, Baldwin was the biggest rival to Steinway during those years, and many professional performers owned this exact model for their own practice. Such a piano makes it possible for us to grow our musical offerings to the community and will enhance our worship.

The purchase was made possible by three Cathedral members who donated the funds in full: the cost of the piano and new bench, the piano dolly, a first maintenance, and the actual move. We are very grateful for their generosity.

There are many opportunities to be
involved in music ministry at the Cathedral.

Please contact our Musician,
Christopher Petit for more information.