Choir

From the Loft – Come One, Come All!

The Cathedral Choir invites you to join us. Basses, Tenors, Sopranos and Altos are needed. Rehearsal is each  Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   

Pictured above with Father Philemon & Father Nick: Sondra Awad, Choirmaster, Finnie Theofanos, 1st row: Sandra Hanna, Daphne Tsimpris, Melissa Ellis, Loretta Kirk, Chris Lewis, Barbara Bambacus, Presvytera Vivian Bacalis, Georgia Fragale, Organist, Ekaterina Singletary. 2nd row: Floyd Herdrich, Gordon Malick, Don Marlow, William Dantini, Lawrence Koenig, Andrew VanCamp, Jacob Owens, Presvytera Emily Bartz, John Stratiou.  Not pictured: Elaine Mandaleris-Preddy, Rachel Korba, Rachel VanCamp, Selena Dajan, Dimitris Dragonas, Claudia Marlow, Nicholas McCray

      Here in Richmond, we’ve had a choir since 1931, first directed by Louis Junes. Today, under the direction of Sondra Awad and accompaniment of Georgia Fragale, we have 26 choir members who devote their time and energy every week to prepare for Sundays, special services, concerts, and other occasions. For years, along with those of Greek heritage, membership has included Orthodox singers of other nationalities. Recently, we’ve also seen an increase in singers who have converted to Orthodoxy. In the past three years, we’ve added 11 members, many of whom are converts.

      We’re also very fortunate to have Protopsaltis John Bletsos lead our psaltes (chanters) during services. John grew up in Greece with family members who served as clergy and psaltes. He has been trained in Byzantine Music by his father (Fr. Vassilios Bletsos), and psaltes Georgios Nikitas and Anastasios Lazaridis. As our lead psalti since 2000, John has always welcomed and encouraged others to join him.  John is retiring as Lead Psalti at the end of August.  Yorgos Flegas will assume the task as our lead. He will be assisted by Jacob Owens, Scott Gerard , William Dantini, Chris Lewis, Rachel Abshire, Nicholas McCray and Nick Coutlakis.