New Director of Music: Christopher Johnson
Christopher Johnson is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a graduate of The Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University, where he studied with Thomas Murray. He holds several different church music positions in Manhattan: as Director of Music and Organist at The Riverside Church, Director of Chapel Music at The Interchurch Center, Artist-in-Residence at Union Theological Seminary, and Adjunct Organist at Columbia University.
An orchestral musician by training, Chris held a two-year position as section violist with the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed as section violist, as well as solo violist, flutist, and bassoonist with the Tulsa Philharmonic and a number of other professional orchestras throughout the Midwest. During summers, he presents concerts throughout Europe and the Middle East with Ensemble Eccolo, a chamber group based in Altenburg, Germany.
Christopher also is a member of the Knights, a collective of adventurous musicians dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audiences and music. The orchestra has toured and recorded with renowned soloists including Yo-Yo Ma, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, and the Vienna Musikverein.
Also an avid professional pilot, Chris holds commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates with multiple ratings, and is a proud instructor/pilot for Century Air, Inc., in Fairfield, NJ.
Are you interested in singing (or ringing) with the choir?
Fall start-up is a good time to come and see what we’re all about! New members are always welcome to the Chancel Choir and Chancel Handbell Choir. Please contact Christopher Johnson if you are interested: music@covenantscranton.org.
With guidance from Session and our pastors, it is felt that we can consider beginning a new choir season—with certain safeguards in place. In line with Covenant’s policies, as well as CDC recommendations, we’re asking that all choral participants be fully vaccinated prior to participation in our choirs. For the time being, both the Chancel Choir and Chancel Handbell Choir will be rehearsing in the sanctuary, which will provide more space, ventilation, and freedom to maintain comfortable social distance.
Chancel Choir rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 9th at 7:30 P.M. with Sunday, September 12th being our first Sunday in worship.
The Chancel Handbell Choir will also begin rehearsals on Thursday, September 9th, at 6:30 P.M.
Choirs at Covenant
Chancel Choir
The Chancel choir performs every Sunday during our 10:30 a.m. Worship service. They also perform for special events throughout the year such as the Covenant Women’s Spring Tea. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chancel choir, please contact our music director, Christopher Johnson at music@covenantscranton.org.
Chancel Handbell Choir
The Chancel Handbell Choir performs several wonderful pieces throughout the year during our Worship service. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chancel Handbell choir, please contact our music director, Christopher Johnson at music@covenantscranton.org.
Children’s Choir
Younger children in grades 2 – 6 are invited to participate in the children’s choir. They meet each Sunday at 12:00 P.M. on the 3rd floor (except Communion Sunday). Speak to Tim Smith for more information.
Concerts & More
A History of the Organs at Covenant Presbyterian Church
Click here to read about the history of Covenant’s organs.
Covenant Public Concerts
For more information about Covenant Public Concerts, please go to the Covenant Public Concerts page.
Arcadia Chorale Concerts
The Arcadia Chorale holds concerts and events at Covenant throughout the year. For more information, go to www.arcadiachorale.org.
