The choir of Trinity Church at Wall St. will perform Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vesper of 1610” on Jan. 29 with guest conductor Andrew Megill.
Megill, who usually conducts the Westminster Kantorei, replaces organist and music director Owen Burdick. The long-time conductor of the Trinity Choir resigned earlier this month, according to a statement released by the Trinity Church.
“I look forward to composing, teaching and to pursuing future conducting and recording opportunities,” Burdick said. “My 17 years have been fulfilling and productive, and I am grateful for the experiences I have had and the musicians I’ve worked with.”
He did respond to a request for comment.
Burdick’s sudden resignation was first reported by the New York Times on Jan. 12.
“We’re taking our time to find a new conductor and organist,” the church vice president of communications, Linda Hanick, said.
Hanick acknowledged that the Trinity Chuch is currently restructuring its music program, but she said in this case, it did not mean staff cutbacks.
“Restructuring could imply downsizing − which couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said.
Besides Megill, Trinity also invited Simon Carrington, director of the Yale Schola Cantorum, to conduct the Trinity Choir performance in May of French music from the 17th and 18th centuries.
“We want to keep our music program excellent,” Hanick added “and Megill and Carrington are very familiar with our music.”
Despite the recent changes, Hanick said it will have not affect the choir’s Jan. 29 perfomrance.
“Megill is very familiar with the piece,” she said “and the choir started rehearsing last week.”
The Trinity Choir performs at Trinity Church at Wall St. and Broadway. Tickets are between $15 and $40 and are available at ticketweb.com or by calling 1-866-468-7619.
— Sebastian Kahnert
