© 2005 – John Schmidt

At Knox we recognize that music is an integral part of the spiritual experience of worship. Grounded in traditional repertoire, music at Knox features a variety of different styles while carefully selected to enhance the service of worship.

Director of Music

Mervyn Games has been Director of Music at Knox Church since 1993 and is also Chapel Organist at Ashbury College. He did his formal training in Scotland and Italy before coming to Canada, where he has held positions in Toronto, London and Halifax. He is a highly accomplished recitalist and has a number of broadcasts and recordings to his credit.

Knox Choir

Knox Senior Choir rehearses each Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Geneva Hall and each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. New members are welcome. If you are interested in singing in the choir, please speak with Mervyn Games, Music Director.

Concerts

Knox choir performs two concerts a year to celebrate Easter and Christmas. A highlight of the Christmas season is the Festival of Lessons and Carols service which brings together readings of the Jesus’ birth, familiar carols, and traditional and contemporary music compositions celebrating the Christmas season.

Music at Mid-day recitals provide a peaceful respite from the bustle of the workday.  Performances feature a variety of accomplished musicians who perform sacred and classical works that are sure to uplift all who attend.  Recitals are held on Wednesday’s usually in May, October, and December. They begin at 12:30 and last approximately 30 minutes.

Laudate Dominum

In October 2007, Mr. Games recorded a CD with the Senior Choir of Knox and Barbara Clark, C.M. and the Rideau Lakes Brass Quintet. This was the first recording of its title track, Laudate Dominum, by Canadian composer Gerald Bales. This piece was commissioned by Barbara Clark, C.M. to celebrate the 150th anniversary of this congregation in 1994.  It was performed that year and it was heard again on Easter Sunday, 2007. Use the audio player below to hear it for yourself.

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The CD is available for purchase from the office of the Music Director.

The Organ

Built by the famed Canadian organ-builders Casavant Frères of Ste Hyacinthe Quebec, in 1933, the organ has been rebuilt and updated on three occasions. Most recently in 2001, the organ underwent a significant restoration and the console can now be moved into the centre of the chancel for performances.

Lilian Forsyth Scholarship

The Lilian Forsyth Scholarship is a tribute to the life and work of the former Knox Church Director of Music. Since Lilian Forsyth was an exponent of the tradition of classical church music, the scholarship is aimed at persons pursuing a career in church music.