The Saint Mark’s Singers

The Saint Mark’s Singers are looking for passionate, motivated volunteer singers to share in the joy of singing. The newest ensemble at Saint Mark’s, the Singers perform beautiful music in both concert and liturgical settings. Sunday evening rehearsals leave members feeling inspired and motivated, and offer a supportive, friendly community. Anyone who can read music and carry a tune is welcome to join; interested singers will join us for rehearsal and meet with Thomas Gaynor, Assistant Organist & Choirmaster, for an informal audition. Please contact Thomas (tgaynor@saintmarksphiladelphia.org) if you’re interested in joining the Saint Mark’s Singers.

If you are looking for a high-caliber musical experience with a manageable time commitment, this is the ensemble for you! Our rehearsals and performances are limited to Sunday afternoons only, leaving the rest of the week free for your other activities. For the 2022-2023 season, the Singers will offer two concerts, join the Parish Choir to sing Choral Evensong in the fall, and sing a liturgy of Easter Lessons & Carols in the spring.

  • Rehearsals take place each Sunday from 5-6 p.m. September-May (with holiday breaks)

    • Bota con brio in the Garden from 6:00-6:30 p.m. following each rehearsal

  • Anyone who has basic music-reading skills and can carry a tune is encouraged to join us for a rehearsal and meet with Thomas about joining the Singers.

    • People of all backgrounds and any or no religious affiliation are welcome and encouraged to join.

  • Opportunities for leadership positions and solos within the choir are available to our volunteers.

Summer Bota!

Summer Bota flips our usual Sunday on its head: rehearsal becomes a chance to sing a particularly beautiful piece of music together, and Bota is extended to offer more time to share a snack and catch up with one another.

July 9

  • 5:00-5:45 p.m. – Choral reading session: Haydn’s The heavens are telling from The Creation

  • 5:45 p.m. – Bota con brio

    • Bring your angel wings as we sing this rousing chorus from Haydn’s masterpiece, featuring archangels Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel!

July 30

  • 5:00-5:45 p.m. – Choral reading session: Dies Irae and Lacrymosa from Mozart’s Requiem

  • 5:45 p.m. – Bota con brio

    • Mozart’s Requiem is one of the most famous choral works out there – here’s your chance to have a go at the foreboding Dies Irae and the poignant Lacrymosa.

August 20

  • 5:00-5:45 p.m. – Choral reading session: Vivaldi’s Gloria

  • 5:45 p.m.– Bota con brio

    • In an afternoon of Venetian splendor, we will sing the first two movements from Vivaldi’s joyous Gloria. Transport by gondolas optional.

Thomas Gaynor

The Saint Mark’s Singers are led by Thomas Gaynor, Saint Mark’s Assistant Organist & Choirmaster. Thomas possess a deep passion for working with choral ensembles of all level, in addition to being an award winning organist of international standing. His rehearsals are marked by a warm, friendly atmosphere centered around high-caliber musicianship. These rehearsals leave musicians inspired to grow musically, and lead to fulfilling, engaging performances for everyone in the room.

Please contact Thomas Gaynor (tgaynor@saintmarksphiladelphia.org) if you’re interested in joining the Saint Mark’s Singers.