Originally published: Nov. 25, 2013
CHARLOTTE — The rich Catholic tradition of sacred music at Mass will be continued by a new group forming in the Diocese of Charlotte known as the Carolina Catholic Chorale. The Chorale will be directed by Thomas F. Savoy, director of music of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in northeast Charlotte. He directed a similar organization called the New York Catholic Chorale for 10 years in his home diocese of Albany, N.Y.
“The Roman Catholic Church lays claim to indisputably the finest tradition of sacred music in the Western world,” Savoy said. “It is an immense source of Catholic witness in our culture and is a gateway to evangelization. This living tradition of authentic Catholic music, particularly choral music, needs to be made manifest to our people, our talented musicians and passed on to our youth.
In a desire to foster a unity of faith and art in the service of Almighty God, we are forming the Carolina Catholic Chorale – a choral organization that specifically aims to render these works of art in service to the liturgy.”
Savoy’s desire to create a chorale was sparked by a trip he made to St. Agnes Church in St. Paul, Minn., in 1993 after he learned of what the late Monsignor Richard J. Schuler, pastor, was doing there as the founding director of the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale.
To this day, St. Agnes Church promotes the Second Vatican Council’s order that the treasury of sacred music be preserved and fostered with great care. It also upholds the command that Latin be used in worship and Gregorian chant be given pride of place in liturgical celebrations. They sing Masses with orchestra, polyphonic a capella compositions and the propers of the Mass in Gregorian chant.
“The original group that I heard had between 70 and 80 people in it. Monsignor Schuler was a remarkable man. They did 35 of these “orchestral Masses” a year at St. Agnes Church accompanied by members of the St. Paul Symphony.”
That trip made a lasting impression on Savoy, and he created a chorale at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany in 1997, which he directed until 2007. He moved to North Carolina in 2012.
Savoy knew that even before he relocated to the Diocese of Charlotte, an organization like this could be created here because of the diocese’s reputation of being increasingly supportive of the tradition of sacred music.
“Our initial inquiries to clergy, singers, instrumentalists and diocesan personnel have been received with great support and enthusiasm,” he said. Savoy is quick to point out that these “orchestral Masses” are not for every liturgy but for major feasts, special occasions, or simply to acquaint Catholics with a part of their cultural and liturgical heritage.
Savoy hopes the chorale will grow over time, and he encourages vocalists and musicians who feel called to share their talents in this traditional outlet to audition. He also hopes people will see the value of carrying on the rich Catholic musical heritage and generously offer the chorale the financial support needed to advance its work in the community.
“It’s a great leap of faith. We hope that this will be the first of a growing number of such beautiful Masses.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter