2025-2026: 20th Anniversary Season of Cathedral Arts Series
Since its inception in 2004, the Cathedral Arts Committee (formerly known as Cultural Arts Committee) has provided an annual season of arts events. Appointed the Cathedral of the newly minted Diocese of Middle Tennessee in 1997, the Cathedral Arts Committee follows the traditional role of medieval Cathedrals as a central gathering place for the larger community. Offering the arts to the community is a means of welcoming all people into our historic space. Over the past two decades, we have facilitated and celebrated over 175 programs in visual art, design, poetry, film, theater, and music, drawing in more than 20,000 attendees from Middle Tennessee and beyond. We are pleased to offer our twentieth full season for your enjoyment!
This initiative is supported by Friends of the Cathedral. To make a donation, go here.
2025-2026 event tickets
Events are free unless otherwise indicated. Tickets may be purchased in advance using the link provided or at the door. Receptions follow most events.
Organ Concert by Alcée Chriss III | 10.5.25
Sunday, October 5 | 3:30 PM
$20 ($10 students)
First-prize and Bach prize winner at the 2017 Canadian International Organ Competition, Dr. Alcée Chriss III is widely regarded as one of the leading young organists of our time. He has won multiple prestigious awards and prizes, as well as Audience Prizes in major international competitions. Dr. Chriss serves as University Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan University.
Organ Concert and Solemn Choral Evensong for the Feast of All Saints | 11.2.25
Sunday, November 2 | 3:30 PM
The Cathedral Choir
Canon Dr. Michael Velting, Director
Organ concert and accompaniment by Dr. Peter Rogahn, Associate Organist and Choirmaster, Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville.
Messiah Sing-A-Long | 11.16.25
Sunday, November 16 | 3:30 PM
$20 ($10 students)
The period music ensemble Early Music City closes their two-day Music City Oratorio Festival with the musical work that symbolizes the Christmas season for many of us: Handel’s Messiah. Renowned conductor and bass-baritone, Dr. Marques Jerrell Ruff, formerly of Chanticleer, conducts soloists from the W. Crimm Singers, the TSU Meistersingers and the audience. This uniquely Nashville community music event, offers attendees the opportunity to participate in the baroque historically informed practice combined with the centuries-long tradition of concert music in the African American church that produced voices like Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, and Marian Anderson. Usher in the holiday season with the singing of Handel’s revered masterworks along with carols reimagined in various Americana and Country Music styles. Bring your score and join in! Or come just to listen!
Bel Canto Christmas Concert | 12.5.25
Friday, December 5 | 7:00 PM
$20 ($10 students)
Enjoy the warmth of the Christmas spirit with soaring seasonal melodies! Experience the joy and hope of the holidays with splendid young professional singers, whose careers are being fostered by the Nashville Bel Canto Foundation (nashvillebelcanto.com).
Nashville Unlimited | 12.9.25
Tuesday, December 9 | 7:00 PM
Suggested donation $20
For over two decades, this popular annual event has featured top Nashville commercial musicians, surprise guests, and luminaries with holiday favorites to support the city’s homeless through Room In The Inn. See more here.
Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols | 12.14.25
Sunday, December 14 | 4:00 PM
Sung by the Cathedral Choir and Senior Choristers
Canon Dr. Michael Velting, Director; Dr. Peter Rogahn, Organ
In this traditional Anglican Festival, readings and songs trace the story of prophecy and fulfillment from Advent through the birth of Christ.
Happy Dog Duo | 2.1.26
Sunday, February 1 | 3:30 PM
$20 ($10 students)
Virtuosity Unleashed!
Nathan Cheung and Eric Tran, pianists
Happy Dog Duo has performed four hand classics, originals, and transcriptions for over two decades all over the world with a focus on bringing humor and joy to the classical music world. The Steinway Gallery is generously providing Steinway pianos for this concert.
Organ Concert and Solemn Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of Lent | 2.22.26
Sunday, February 22 | 3:30 PM
The Cathedral Choir, Canon Dr. Michael Velting, Director; Dr. Peter Rogahn, Organ
Organ concert by Dr. Edie Johnson, Music Director/Organist, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Knoxville.
Icon Writing Retreat | 2.23-2.27
Monday-Friday, February 23-27, 10AM-6 PM
Fee: $499 includes all materials and lunch
Register with $100 deposit, due 1/10/26
Experience the joy of the ancient spiritual practice of icon writing. Over the course of a week, create your own icon in a small-group, meditative environment led by renowned iconographer Teresa Harrison. Beginners welcome. All materials are provided, including lunch and snacks. For more information visit teresaharrison.com
Organ Concert by Kristina Rizzotto | 3.8.26
Sunday, March 8 | 3:30 PM
$20 ($10 Student)
Dr. Kristina Rizzotto has performed in South America, throughout Europe, and in 21 American states. She is Director of Music at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and a composer for organ, choir, and piano. She holds graduate degrees in Organ from the University of Oklahoma and East Carolina University, and a BMus in Piano from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
27th Annual Christ Church Cathedral Chorister Festival | 3.22.26
Sunday, March 22 | 4:00 PM
Chorister Festival Choir
Guest Director, Colin Lynch, Music Director, Trinity Church Copley Square, Boston
Dr. Peter Rogahn, Organ, Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville
18th Annual BACHanalia! | 3.27.26
Friday, March 27 | 4:00-10:00 PM
This free Nashville tradition returns with six hours of live performance from the vast repertoire of Johann Sebastian Bach. Featuring dozens of groups and hundreds of Nashville’s amazing musicians, you will hear the music of JSB in expected and unexpected styles. Light supper and souvenirs on sale. Come for all or part of the evening to hear everything from authentic Baroque performance to jazz!
The Schola Cantorum of the Sewanee School of Theology Organ Concert & Solemn Evensong | 4.19.26
Sunday, April 19 | 3:30 PM
Schola Cantorum of the School of Theology from the University of the South
Organ Concert and Solemn Choral Evensong
Dr. Mark Ardrey-Graves, Director
Stephanie Yoder, Assistant University Organist, University of the South
Organ concert by Stephanie Yoder
Formed in 2016, Schola Cantorum sings a weekly Choral Evensong in All Saints Chapel during the academic year. The premier chamber choir of the University of the South, it is directed by Dr. Mark Ardrey-Graves. It includes seminarians, faculty, select undergraduates and staff of the School of Theology and University. Assistant University Organist Stephanie Yoder accompanies and plays the organ concert.
Organ Concert and Solemn Choral Evensong in Eastertide | 5.3.26
Sunday, May 3 | 3:30 PM
The Cathedral Choir, Canon Dr. Michael Velting, Director; Dr. Peter Rogahn, Organ
Organ concert by Joey Fala, Assistant Director of Music and Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville.
To volunteer with Cathedral Arts, please contact Jack Hill or Susan Dupont for more information.
