Faith, Music, and the ArtsThe Chaplains' Office collaborates closely with other departments to bring the arts to Christ Chapel.

The Department of Music and the Christ Chapel staff work together to bring excellent music to the chapel, and student and faculty musicians help lead worship regularly. Liturgical dance has frequently been an integral part of the annual celebration of Christmas in Christ Chapel. Recent choreographers have included Sue Gunness, Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Jeffrey Peterson, Melissa Rolnick, Michele Rusinko from the Department of Theatre and Dance, and Annemarie Carlson Drake from the Mankato Ballet Company (2004). This page includes descriptions of the main ensembles associated with the Chapel program, but in addition to those listed, regular performers include the Gustavus Choir, Lucia Singers, woodwind ensembles, string quartets, flute choirs, and musicians for Evening Prayer.

Ensembles

Choir of Christ Chapel

The Choir of Christ Chapel is a large mixed ensemble comprised of 90-100 singers. It draws its repertoire primarily from the fine sacred literature of the mid-eighteenth to twenty-first centuries. In addition to singing for services of Holy Communion on Sundays and daily services throughout the week, this choir participates in Christmas in Christ Chapel and other major choral events on campus. Off campus, this ensemble presents concerts, sings for worship services, and makes an annual spring tour. The Choir of Christ Chapel is conducted by Dr. Brandon Dean.

Christ Chapel Brass

The Christ Chapel Brass, part of the brass chamber music program at Gustavus, consists of the finest student brass musicians on campus. This ensemble, conducted by Steve Wright, offers preludes, postludes, and hymn settings at major services during the semester, performs at Christmas in Christ Chapel, and has a number of off-campus engagements, including occasional full-length recitals throughout the area.

Handbell Choirs

There are four handbell choirs at Gustavus: the Christ Chapel Ringers, Chamber Bells, Disney Bells, and the Chapel Bells. Conducted by Chad Winterfeldt, these ensembles rehearse weekly, and each plays for Chapel services three or four times per semester, usually on Wednesday mornings. In addition, the Christ Chapel Ringers participate in the annual celebration of Christmas in Christ Chapel.