62nd Diocesan Choral Festival Held In November Made Joyful Noise

The 62nd Diocesan Choral Festival took place at St. James' Church, Houston, Nov. 20, 2022. The festival was conducted by Julia Hall, a local Episcopalian who is the chair of the vocal music department at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

The Choral Evensong featured service music by Thomas Tallis, as well as the anthem "The Lord is King" by St. James' Calvin Fuller, organist and choirmaster. Both Hall and Fuller served for many years on the Diocesan Music Commission, working on projects such as the music camp and the yearly choral Festival.

Choirmaster Fuller was speechless, surprised, and touched as he was honored at the festival held at his own parish where he has worked for many years.

The Rev. Victor Thomas commented that the future of the Diocesan Choral Festival is bright. This year’s festival was both culturally diverse and featured the youngest group of singers ever gathered. Eighteen churches participated, including some clergy.

Although there were older folks who participated, they were certainly outnumbered by the younger singers. There was a large contingent from Good Shepherd, Stafford. Two participants hailed from Calvary, Bastrop, and one singer came from Stephenville.

Attendees agreed that it was joyful to be with a joyful to be with people who enjoyed singing together, and the sound was heavenly.