Holy Trinity
Roman Catholic Church
213 West 82nd Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 787-0634
Music Ministry: About Music at Holy Trinity
The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater than that of any other art. ...It forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.
—Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II
The music ministry of Holy Trinity seeks to fulfill the liturgical renewal envisioned by the framers of the Second Vatican Council in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. This document commands that the “treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care.” The Music Ministry of Holy Trinity endows the public worship of Holy Trinity with the great treasures of the Church’s music in their proper liturgical context.
The first Choir of Holy Trinity was a choir of Men, Boys and Girls. It was this choir that sang at the dedicatory Mass of the church on May 5, 1912. With the creation of the Holy Trinity Choir of Men and Choristers, in 2006, Holy Trinity returned to the musical roots of our Parish. Consisting of choristers from the Chorister Program for Young Voices, and professional male singers, the Choir sang the 12:30 pm Solemn Mass on Sundays, the 5:30 pm Mass on Holy Days of Obligation, and all of the liturgical celebrations of Christmas and the Sacred Triduum. In 2007, with the tenure of MacNeil Robinson as Director of Music and Organist, we have returned to the traditional choir of Men and Women.
The organ of Holy Trinity, built by the Canadian firm of LeTourneau, was installed in 1997. A marvelous example of contemporary organ building, the organ is heard at all weekend liturgies except the 7:30 am and 5:30 pm Sunday Masses.
The Cantors of Holy Trinity are Lay Clerks, or professional male singers, of the Choir. The 5:30 pm Saturday Mass and 9:30 am Sunday Mass are sung by Cantors.
The Holy Trinity Contemporary Ensemble provides music for the 5:30 pm Sunday Mass.