"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" 

PSALM 98:4

AMERICAN KANTOREI

ST. JOHN PASSION | HOLY WEEK

Tuesday, March 26 | 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director


The American Kantorei will  perform J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion during Holy Week, marking a highlight of Music at St. Paul’s 32nd season. Soloists, choir, and instrumentalists will be featured. 


The St. John Passion, written during Bach’s first year as director of church music in Leipzig, was first performed on Good Friday in 1724. It is a deeply moving work that weaves together the narrative of Christ’s last days with an intricate tapestry of harmonies and soaring melodies. 


The Kantorei, under the directorship of Dr. Maurice Boyer, specializes in the performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s sacred choral works in the original German, accompanied by orchestra.


The event is complimentary, with a freewill offering, and is open to the public.


 circlemapMaps and Parking

  • Kantor Gerhardt discusses the st. john passion

    Video  watch interview


    “As kantor of St. Paul’s, I am delighted and honored that we are able to present this glorious work as part of our Holy Week observances this year…”


    In preparation for Holy Week and Easter, we recently spoke with Kantor Gerhardt about Bach’s worshipful and moving work, the St. John Passion, which is upcoming at St. Paul’s and features the American Kantorei.


    Witnessing this powerful work live, especially within the sacred context of Holy Week, is a unique opportunity. You’re invited to join us for this special service at St. Paul’s.

32nd season | 2023-2024

music at st. Paul's

Music at St. Paul's is a vital, self-sustaining component of our congregation's music ministry. Under the directorship of Kantor Matthew Gerhard and in its 32nd season, this annual series of special services and musical events brings to St. Paul's guest ensembles and artists who, through words and music, proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This music series benefits the members of St. Paul's and serves as an outreach to the greater St. Louis community and beyond. In addition, Music at St. Paul's sponsors the music for festival services in our congregation's regular worship life and provides enrichment for the overall music ministry of our parish.

  • Click here to support Music at St. Paul's with your donation online
  • Update your information or contact us here
  • Visit Music at St. Paul's on Facebook here
  • Downloadable 2023-2024 Season Poster here

Offerings during this season include:


SEPTEMBER
CHORAL VESPERS

Choirs and Instrumentalists of St. Paul’s

Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.


OCTOBER

J.S. BACH CANTATA VESPERS

American Kantorei

Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director

Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.


DECEMBER

SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS

Choirs and Instrumentalists of St. Paul’s

Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.


MARCH
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO WIND SYMPHONY | About

Dr. Richard Fischer, Director

Friday, March 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.


MARCH

J.S. BACH ST. JOHN PASSION

American Kantorei

Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.


MAY

THE FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

Choirs and Instrumentalists of St. Paul’s

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Divine Service

music opportunities

Music serves a vital role in the worship life of St. Paul's. A number of opportunities are provided for people to use their talents in proclaiming the Gospel through music. Prayerfully consider serving this season in one or more of the following music ensembles


For more information, contact St. Paul's Kantor, Matt Gerhardt, or those listed as directors below: Worship Team Director, Whitney Wade, and Handbells Director, Carol Petering. Click the addme icon to read more about each choir.

  • Director: Matt Gerhardt

    • Men and women, high school to adult
    • Traditional, liturgical music, from simple unison to more complex literature
    • Rehearsals: In the Bender Music Room, Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., late August through May
  • Director: Matt Gerhardt

    • Men, high school to adult
    • Sings several times each year
    • Rehearsals: two or three weeks before singing; contact the director for dates and times
  • Director: Matt Gerhardt

    • Women, high school to adult
    • Sings several times each year
    • Rehearsals: two or three weeks before singing; contact the director for dates and times
  • Director: Matt Gerhardt

    • Experienced instrumentalists, high school to adult
    • Brass, percussion, strings, woodwind
    • Rehearsals: Scheduled as needed
  • Director: Whitney Wade

    • Participate in our Living Stone service on Sunday mornings at 10:45am
    • Experienced instrumentalists & singers, high school to adult
    • Guitars, drums, bass, horns, strings, keyboards, woodwinds, and voices
  • Director: Carol Petering

    • Some prior music reading ability required
    • Rehearsals: Church balcony

radio interviews

with St. Paul's Music ministry

JANUARY 26, 2022 BROADCAST: Listen here

Kantor Gerhardt and St. Paul's Lutheran School students were interviewed during National Lutheran Schools Week about the importance of music ministry in our schools today. Our students shared in their own words about the blessings of Lutheran education.


JULY 29, 2021 BROADCAST: Listen here

Listen as Matt Gerhardt, St. Paul's Kantor, talks about the music of J. S. Bach, its treatment in worship, and the legacy of music education in our schools, during "Bach Week" on KFUO Radio's Coffee Hour, hosted by Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth.


SEPT. 25, 2020 BROADCAST: Listen here

Mr. Matthew Gerhardt, St. Paul’s Kantor, and the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker talked with KFUO Radio Coffee Hour hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth about Music at St. Paul's 2020-2021 season-opening hymn festival. The pair discussed who Paul Gerhardt was and what his life was like, the influences on his hymn writing, and the wonderful hymnody presented and sung at St. Paul's in September. 


DEC. 3, 2019 BROADCAST: Listen here

Dr. Mark Bender, St. Paul's Minister of Music, and Matt Gerhart, then Associate Minister of Music, visited the KFUO 850AM studios as guests on The Coffee Hour show, with hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth, during the season of Advent. They discussed the Service of Sacred Music for the Time of Christmas, including the meaningfulness of the choral selections, and the Bible passages and liturgy behind them.