Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington

Singers Wanted

Positions Currently Open

Schola Cantorum Volunteer Openings

Did you know that as many as half or more of the members of the Cathedral’s highly-acclaimed Schola Cantorum are unpaid volunteer parishioners and friends of the cathedral? For the current liturgical season, there are a limited number of openings in all voice parts for experienced choral singers. Schola members sing for both the 10:00am (Latin) and 11:30am (English) Sunday Eucharists in one of the most rewarding acoustic settings in the Washington area. Because of the nature of the music (Gregorian chant, renaissance polyphony and later anthems), and the amount of repertoire each week, prospective singers must have significant adult choral experience, good sight-reading skills, and a pleasant, agile voice. The commitment of time and focused energy is significant, particularly at Christmas and Holy Week. Extra singing opportunities include Archdiocesan liturgies and civic and community functions (annual Red Mass, state funerals) and concerts. 2011-2012 Season: Aug 31 – January 8, and Feb 15 – June 10.

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 6:45pm – 8:45pm in the weeks when the choir is singing.

If you have the appropriate experience and a desire to serve in this very special way, please contact Mr. Thomas Stehle, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Director of Music Ministries, at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.

St. Matthew's Festival Singer Auditions

Every year we invite experienced singers of the parish to join the Schola Cantorum for our Advent Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral. Singers must be able to attend all prior rehearsals, but are not obligated to sing for both liturgies. We are looking for singers with an ability to read music, a pleasant voice, previous choral experience, and a commitment to work diligently and cooperatively. The schedule of rehearsals includes most Mondays and Wednesdays beginning November 30:

  • Wednesdays, Nov 30 and Dec 7, 7:45–9pm—Rehearsal
  • Monday, December 5, 6:45–8:45pm—Rehearsal
  • Sunday, December 11, 7:30–9pm—Advent Lessons and Carols (6:30pm arrival)
  • Wednesdays, December 14 & 21, 6:45–8:45pm—Rehearsal
  • Monday, December 19, 6:45–8:45pm—Rehearsal
  • Saturday, December 24,  9:15pm–11:15pm— for the 10:00pm Mass (8:00pm arrival)

To schedule an audition or for more information, please contact Mr. Thomas Stehle, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Director of Music Ministries, at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.

Audition Types

Professional Auditions

Applicants should bring one prepared sacred solo selection with two copies of the sheet music and two copies of a current choral music resume with contact information for references. Be prepared to do extensive sight-singing.

Volunteer Auditions

Applicants should bring a simple prepared song (a hymn will be fine), and be ready to do a little sight-singing. 

Audition Contact

To learn more about the openings listed or to schedule an audition, please contact Thomas Stehle, Director of Music Ministries (phone: 202.587.5141 or email: tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org).