Hymn Festival: All Times and All Places Praise the Lord

The Church Music Institute of Dallas, TX, presents a hymn festival entitled, "All Times and All Places Praise the Lord" on Friday, June 14, at 7pm, at St Stephen Presbyterian Church, 2700 McPherson Ave, Fort Worth. Dr. David Cherwien, nationally-renowned organist, prolific composer, and director of the National Lutheran Choir, will lead the congregation and a choir comprised of singers from local churches in hymnody and sacred music from the Renaissance to the present. Dr. Cherwien has distinguished himself among American organists by his ability to play an entire church service, including prelude, postlude, liturgy, and hymns, with very little reference to printed music. In the European tradition of church organists, going back to the time of Bach and before, he composes or improvises much of the music he plays in a worship service. He is a founding member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, serving in its leadership in a variety of capacities, including National President from 1993 to 1997. He is also active in the American Guild of Organists and Choristers Guild. His workshops on church music, service playing and improvisation, and his hymn festivals and other worship leadership roles have brought him to many parts of the country.

A preservice recital, beginning at 6.40pm, will be presented by the acclaimed local ensemble, the Texas Boys Choir, which will perform a program of sacred music. This choir, for over seventy years a staple of the North Texas choral landscape, seeks to foster a love of music in both singers and audience alike.

This free hymn festival is designed to inspire, enliven, and encourage, and immediately precedes a workshop for church musicians and clergy the next day. Contact Benjamin Kolodziej, CMI Program Director, with enquiries.

The Church Music Institute (CMI) is dedicated to the advancement and stewardship of the best sacred music for the use of Christian congregations. Using proven practices, CMI trains new generations of clergy, musicians and laypersons for leading worship through workshops, courses and conferences across the country. CMI also houses the most extensive online library of choral and organ music anywhere. Visit www.churchmusicinstitute.org for more information.

Click here if you are interested in singing in the hymn festival choir.

Click here for a short invitation appropriate for church bulletins.

Watch a welcome video from St. Stephen's Organist and Director of Music, Jordan Smith:

Are you a church musician, clergy, or just interested in the music of the church? Click here to register for the Saturday workshop.