Superb choral music is an important part of the life of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church (MAPC). There are a number of choral groups at MAPC that offer avocational singers an opportunity to participate in this important ministry, both for liturgies on Sunday mornings and for seasonal services, as well as on the church’s Saint Andrew Music Society concert series.

Church Choir

MAPC’s Church Choir is the backbone of the music ministry, consisting of a core octet of professional singers and 12 to 15 dedicated volunteers who provide inspiring music at the 10:30 am service on Sunday mornings from September through May, and for special services throughout the year, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 8:30 to 9:45 pm (September through May) following the Saint Andrew Chorale rehearsal. Those who have good sight reading skills and have a blending section voice are encouraged to contact Dr. Andrew Henderson for further information about singing at MAPC.

From Memorial Day weekend through the end of July, our Summer Choir provides musical leadership and choral music for the Sunday morning worship services at 10:30 am. The choir meets to rehearse at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings. This is an excellent opportunity for Church Choir members, Saint Andrew Chorale members and friends from the congregation and NYC choral community to join us on a more informal basis to sing a wide variety of music during the summer months.

Saint Andrew Chorale

Founded by Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in 1965, the Saint Andrew Chorale is a 40-voice choral society based at MAPC. The group is composed of members of our Church Choir and professional octet, members of the congregation, and many friends from the wider community of New York City.

The Chorale rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:20 pm in the Sanctuary and presents two or three concerts per season with the Saint Andrew Orchestra, comprised of New York's finest freelance orchestral players, and guest instrumentalists. Members of the Chorale are also invited to join with MAPC's Church Choir for special services such as Christmas Eve, Good Friday and Easter morning. The Chorale's repertoire is extraordinarily wide-ranging and focuses on the great sacred choral masterworks from the sixteenth through the twentieth centuries. View a listing of the Chorale's repertoire since 1965.

The Saint Andrew Chorale rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 8:20 pm from September through May. Membership in the choir is by audition. Singers interested in joining the Chorale should contact Dr. Andrew Henderson, Director of Music & Organist.

MAPC Children's Choirs 

MAPC offers choral opportunities for children and youth in elementary, middle and high school to participate in a program that focuses on the development of children’s voices, singing music of high artistic integrity and developing an understanding of musical notation. These choirs regularly sing with the Church Choir in worship on Sunday mornings and rehearse during MAPC’s Kids’ Club program on Wednesday afternoons. Children will have the opportunity to sing under the direction of Mary Huff, Associate Director of Music, and the Director of Music, Andrew Henderson.

MAPC also has a choir for its tiniest singers! As a part of the weekly Kids’ Club program, children ages 4 and 5 have the opportunity to join the Church Mice group and enjoy activities that include vocal exploration, rhythmic play, simple and partner songs, and healthy beginning vocal instruction.

For more information about the Children’s Choirs, please contact Mary Huff, Associate Director of Music.

Please direct all inquiries about the musical life of MAPC to Andrew Henderson, Director of Music/Organist.

New York City Children's Chorus

The New York City Children’s Chorus is a graded choral program for over 185 choristers in the metropolitan NYC area who receive training in the art of singing in a rigorous and rewarding choral environment. Founded by noted music pedagogue Mary Huff at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in 2012, the New York City Children’s Chorus enable choristers, through hard work and dedication, to develop a passionate commitment to excellence through the choral art, to learn discipline and self-confidence, and to give back to their community through the gift of music. Children ages 4 to 18 may audition for the NYCCC. Auditions are held every year in the late spring, or during the year by appointment.