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 centrepiece 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.
What Affirming Means
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.
Specs: 5,018 pipes, 95 stops, 4 Manuals, 1912 Opus 529
1912 Casavant Frères installs Opus 529 in the newly completed Knox sanctuary.
1956 First major rebuild and expansion of the instrument.
2002 Second major expansion with digital capture system and 256-level memory.
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
Ethan studied composition at the University of Victoria, where he also trained as a liturgical musician at St. John the Divine Anglican Church. In 2019, he relocated to Montreal to study the organ at McGill University, during which time he held an organ scholarship at Christ Church Cathedral.
He works with the Alberta Ballet and the Savridi Singers. He continues to develop his artistry through residencies with the Banff Centre for Art and Creativity, the Domaine Forget de Charlevoix and Continuum Contemporary Music. Ethan also serves as president of RCCO, Calgary Centre and a representative for Alberta & the Northwest Territories with the Canadian League of Composers.
Contact
If you are interested in joining any of the Knox ensembles as a singer, instrumentalist, or would like more information about programs offered please contact music director Ethan Hill at ehill@kxcalgary.com
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Chellan Hoffman
Associate Director of Music
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
