Trinity College Chapel presents extraordinary musical offerings that enrich the life of the college and the Greater Hartford community.

Since its dedication nearly 100 years ago, Trinity’s iconic Chapel has earned a reputation as one of Hartford’s great spaces for musical performances. Chapel Music programs encompass a variety of opportunities for learning, musical and spiritual expression, and community. Whether experiencing the thrilling sounds of the pipe organ, listening to choral music echo throughout the building, or picnicking while the carillon rings out across the quadrangle, we invite you to enjoy another year of beautiful music at Trinity College Chapel.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, no tickets required. More information on parking and accessibility may be found here. Chapel Music is under the direction of Christopher Houlihan ’09.

2023–24 Season

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Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford

One of North America’s top performance competitions for young organists, ASOFH has been in residence at Trinity College since 2016. This year’s festival features the High School Division competition, an exciting concert for Choirs, Brass, and Organ, and an encore performance from last year’s first-prize winner, Bruce Xu. September 22–23, 2023.

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Trinity Organ Series

The over four-thousand pipes of Trinity’s exceptional organ were designed and built in Hartford by the Austin Organ Company. This year’s concert season includes recitals by college organist Christopher Houlihan and Olivier Latry, organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris. And by popular demand, Lunchtime Thursdays return! Join us for music and a meal, select Thursdays at 12:10 p.m.

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Choral Evensong

Sung by The Chapel Singers, Evensong is a centuries-old tradition of sung prayers to marks the end of day and arrival of evening. All are welcome for this moment of restful contemplation at the close of day. Select Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. 

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Lessons and Carols

Trinity’s Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols marks the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. This occasion features musical offerings from Trinity’s choirs, organists, and carillonists. The Christmas story is recounted in lessons read by members of the college community.

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Summer Music Series

The Summer Carillon Series has been a Hartford and Trinity tradition since 1949, featuring national and international guest artists performing on the 49-bell Plumb Memorial Carillon. The evening begins with a chamber concert inside the historic Trinity College Chapel.

Student opportunities

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The Chapel Singers

Founded in 1825, The Chapel Singers is Trinity’s oldest student organization, dedicated to studying and performing challenging choral music at Chapel services, college occasions, and in concert. Membership is by audition.

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Trinity College Gospel Choir

This student organization offers prayer, fellowship, and song in the contemporary gospel tradition. TCGC performs at services and concerts on and off campus. Rehearsals are held in the Chapel choir room, Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

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Trinity Organ Studio

Student organists have extraordinary opportunities for musical study at Trinity College, including academic and co-curricular experiences.

GET IN TOUCH

Chapel Music

Christopher Houlihan John Rose College Organist-and-Directorship Distinguished Chair of Chapel Music, and Artist-in-Residence