Music
About the Cathedral Music Program
At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, we endeavor to provide a model for sacred music firmly planted on the solid foundation of the Church’s vast, rich musical heritage.
Dr. Mario Pearson, Director
- Dr. Mario Pearson, principal organist
- Fred Crouch, volunteer and staff organist
- Sean Holland, volunteer, and staff organist
- Justin Hurst, volunteer, and staff organist
The primary focus of the Cathedral music program is to support the assembly at liturgy in the singing of the hymns and responses and to lift their hearts and minds through the great tradition and heritage of music that belongs to the Church and edifies the liturgy.
LEARN ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL MUSIC & ARTS PROGRAM
The Cathedral's music program has several ensembles leading our Eucharistic celebrations. Many choirs combine for special feasts, music concerts, and Holy Days. Below is a list and description of all the music program opportunities.
CLICK ON EACH SECTION TO READ MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH PROGRAM.
- Cantor Program -Men and women of high school age and older from throughout the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in this ministry. Singers with solid music skills and sight reading ability are needed to lead the community’s sung prayer during our celebrations. The commitment is manageable. Cantors are scheduled an average of one or two times each month based on their availability.
- The Diocesan Choir provides music ministry for some liturgies celebrated with our Bishop when we gather as a diocese.
- Schola Cantorum is an auditioned professional choir that sings on rotation at 2:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. Masses. They sing monthly at the 8 p.m. Mass They sing primarily early polyphonic sacred music.
We hope these opportunities will spark your interest in becoming part of the exciting music ministry at the Cathedral.
Email Dr. Pearson to become involved mpearson@kcgolddome.org
Although the primary focus of the Music Ministry is to support the prayer of the assembly at liturgy, there is another important component to our ministry -- hospitality. At these times, the musical experience welcomes and lifts up those not with us regularly for Sunday worship but searching for God.
OTHER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR VISITING OUTSIDE GROUPS AND ENSEMBLES.
The Cathedral is pleased to host visiting and touring groups and ensembles from throughout our diocese, state, and country who join our community in sung prayer through the following two extension programs.
- Missa Choralis [Choir Mass]
- Residency Program
Choirs (especially touring choirs) may participate during our weekday Mass that takes place at 12:15 p.m. Interested groups and organizations should contact the Director, Dr. Mario Pearson.
Please consider supporting the Cathedral Music program.
Send your gift to:
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
416 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105
Please indicate "Cathedral Music Gift/Donation" in the memo line.
OR
Donate on our Website (select Music program)
The Cathedral is host to professional music organizations, including Friends of Chamber Music who present some of their season concerts in our beautiful Cathedral. Local sacred choral groups such as Te Deum, The Kansas City Chorale, Kantorei Institute and the William Baker Festival Singers also schedule concerts in our Cathedral.
The Cathedral is home to the magnificent Ruffatti Pipe Organ.
Music is an integral part of today’s Liturgy. Instrumentalists, cantors, choirs, and directors are all necessary for our Worship experience. Through a creative Vision for the music program, liturgical music continues to have an integral place in celebrating the Eucharist.
Contact the music director if you are interested in participating in the music ministry or for more information about the Cathedral music programs.
Telephone: 816.842.0416 x119
Email: mpearson@kcgolddome.org
To the Trinity be praise! God is music, God is life
that nurtures every creature in its kind.
Our God is the song of the angel throng
and the splendor of secret ways
hid from humankind,
But God our life is the life of all.
Hildegard of Bingen