Music

Church of the Redeemer is known throughout Sarasota and around the country for the breathtaking music offered at church services and concerts throughout the year.

Redeemer’s music program is led by Organist-Choirmaster Sam Nelson. Our Nichols & Simpson pipe organ in the church is designed to be the perfect instrument for Anglican liturgy as well as performing the gamut of organ repertoire.

Every Sunday at Redeemer’s 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses, the choirs offer anthems that showcase the great diversity found in the Anglican choral tradition, including the classic composers from Stanford to Howells as well as new music from living composers, such as David Hurd, Judith Weir, and Jonathan Dove. Most months from September through May, the Redeemer choirs participate in the beautiful service of Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), a practice originating in the 16th century. The church also regularly hosts concerts that feature artists and ensembles from Sarasota and around the world. These special musical events offer the community the opportunity to experience exceptional music in a beautiful sacred space.

Click here to learn more about upcoming music events at Redeemer.

Organist-Choirmaster Sam Nelson

A native of Lynn, Massachusetts, prize-winning organist, conductor, and arranger Sam Nelson held his first organist position at age 12 at his father’s Baptist church where he grew up and was baptized. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance from Gordon College in 2011 and a Master of Music degree from Boston University.

Sam served as the organist at Washington Street Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts, from 2002-2013 and as Music Director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, from 2013-2019. He was also the Tour Manager and Organ Technician for Cameron Carpenter and The International Touring Organ for two U.S. tours and a China tour.

Sam was named Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at Redeemer in 2019 before assuming the role of Redeemer’s Organist-Choirmaster in 2020.

Adult Choir

The adult choir sings at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses on Sundays as well as at Evensong, on special feast days, and concerts throughout the year. Choristers sing at one or both Sunday masses. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. from late August through May.

Redeemer Choir School

The Redeemer Choir School is for students who can read through grade 12. Students not only learn how to read music and become good musicians but also learn skills in self-discipline and responsibility. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays after school from 4-5:45 p.m.

Redeemer Organ

The magnificent Redeemer organ is a 64-rank built by Nichols & Simpson of Little Rock, Arkansas. It was installed in the church in 2003 and is the largest pipe organ in Sarasota. The console is constructed of oak with a burl eucalyptus interior. The pipe shades draw their inspiration from the Redeemer chapel’s wrought iron screening. To learn more about the organ, click here.

Organist-Choirmaster Emeritus Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe

Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe served as Organist-Choirmaster at Redeemer from 1974-2020. She is a musical force in the Sarasota area and beyond as an organist, harpsichordist, accompanist, and conductor. Stephenson-Moe has performed solo recitals at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City; the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.; and the American Cathedral in Paris. She has a master’s degree in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where she studied with Alec Wyton and Robert Baker. While in New York, she served on the music staff of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.