Ministries · Music
Music at the
heart of Knox
Home to the largest church organ in Western Canada, an acclaimed choir, a handbell ensemble, and one of Calgary's most beloved Christmas traditions since 1913.
Music Ministry
Sound that fills the soul
Music has always been the centerpiece at Knox. Since the four-manual Casavant organ was installed in 1912, music has been the foundation and heartbeat of worship in this sanctuary, the instrument most able to sustain, support, and give voice to the full spectrum of human emotion and faith.
Whether it is the full-throated glory of the Knox Choir on a Sunday morning, the shimmering tones of our handbell ensemble, or the joyful community of the Knox Carol Festival, music at Knox is an invitation to encounter something beyond words.
The Casavant Organ
The largest church organ in Western Canada
Originally built and installed by Casavant Frères in 1912 as Opus 529, the Knox organ was rebuilt and significantly expanded in 1956 and again in 2002. It is a large, versatile four-manual instrument of remarkable power and grace, the largest church organ in Western Canada.
In addition to the Great, Swell, Choir, Resonance, and Pedal divisions, the organ has an antiphonal echo division in the rear gallery, creating an enveloping, multi-directional sound that is unique in Calgary.
The 2002 renovation added a digital capture system with 256 levels of memory, a sequencer, and computer storage for piston settings. In partnership with the Calgary Society of Organists and the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Knox has hosted many international organ virtuosos in recital.
5,018
pipes
95
stops
4
Manuals
Ensemble
Knox Choir
The Knox Choir explores repertoire from many periods and styles, from gospel to Gregorian chant, classical anthems to bluegrass. That breadth is part of what makes Knox's musical life distinctive week after week.
The choir at Knox United Church welcomes singers of all voice types. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or simply love to sing, there’s a place for you in our non-auditioned choir.
Visit us during rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm at Knox’s Labyrinth. How to get here
Opportunities
Choral Scholarship Positions Available
With generous support from the David Ferguson Music Fund, we’re offering 4 Choral Scholar positions for singers seeking musical leadership experience in a dynamic church setting - ideal for students or emerging professionals. These positions are auditioned. Benefits include:
Regular solo and ensemble opportunities
Mentorship from professional musicians
Honorarium for rehearsals and performances
Interested? Contact us to learn more: ehill@kxcalgary.com
Ensemble
Handbell Choir
Meets Mondays, 10:30 am to 12:15 pm. A three-octave ring of handbells with a varied and joyful repertoire, including a fondness for the pop side. Plays in worship every two to three months, including Christmas and Easter.
Interested? Contact our office at office@kxcalgary.com
Community
Volunteer Musicians
Volunteer instrumentalists from the congregation and the wider community share their gifts each Sunday, contributing prelude, postlude, and music for quiet prayer. Guest artists join through the year.
Interested? Contact our music director at ehill@kxcalgary.com
Knox as Concert Venue
Calgary’s premier sacred concert space
Beyond Sunday worship, the Knox sanctuary is one of Calgary's most sought-after concert venues, prized for its acoustics, its historic beauty, and the resonance of the Casavant organ. Microphones are not required.
Bach@Knox
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's annual baroque music festival calls Knox home, bringing world-class performance into one of the city's most acoustically suited spaces.
Festival Chorus and Cantaré
Knox regularly hosts the Festival Chorus, Cantaré Children's Choir, and many other Calgary ensembles and touring groups through the year.
Arts Partnerships
Knox collaborates with local arts organisations and theological speakers, cementing its role as a hub for sacred and secular music and the arts in downtown Calgary.
Music Ministry
The people behind the music
Knox's music programme is shaped by two leaders who bring deep musicianship, broad repertoire knowledge, and genuine joy to every service and performance.
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Ethan Hill
Director of Music
Directs the Knox Choir, provides organ and piano music, plans music to complement Knox's ministry, manages the music library, and runs @musicatknox social media.
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Chellan Hoffman
Associate Director of Music
Coordinates Knox's broader music programme alongside Ethan: special events, guest artists, ensemble planning, and Knox's role in the Calgary arts community.
Get Involved
Your voice is welcome here.
Whether you are a trained singer, an instrumentalist, a handbell ringer, or someone who has always wanted to sing in a choir, there is a place for you in music at Knox. All ages, all skill levels, all voices.
The Knox Choir welcomes new singers each September. The handbell choir looks for music readers at an intermediate level. Volunteer instrumentalists are welcome year round.
How to join
- Knox Choir: rehearsals begin each September on Thursdays
- Handbell Choir: Mondays, 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, intermediate level
- Volunteer instrumentalists: contact the office any time
- Email: office@kxcalgary.com
- Follow @musicatknox on social media
