St. Peter's is fortunate to have a vibrant music ministry that is active year round. Our Choirmaster and Organist, Ben Outen, has worked diligently since 1993 to establish choirs for children and adults that have achieved a far reaching reputation for providing wonderful music that challenges both the chorister and listener.
The adult choir at St. Peter's sings at the 11:00am service each Sunday. The choir also sings for major holidays and other events, and is especially appreciated for their annual prelude to the Christmas Eve 10:30pm service. Often, professional instrumentalists join the choir for special events. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:00, and again an hour before the 11:00am service each Sunday. Please call the choir office at (704) 332-7746, ext. 108 for information about joining the adult choir.
St. Peter's is also known for its series of Evensong services. Services occur monthly at 5:00 pm on Sunday and are led by the choirs from The Choir School at St. Peter’s or the adult Evensong Choir. For information about auditioning for the adult Evensong choir, please call the choir office at (704) 332-7746, ext. 108.
Mr. Outen holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from Furman University, a Master's in Music from Yale University and is a member of the Royal School of Church Music. His background includes work on the stage and with the orchestras for local theater and opera companies. Prior to coming to St. Peter's, he was the Music Director of the First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, North Carolina.
Mr. Outen founded:
The Boys Choir at St. Peter's in 1993, The Girl's Choir at St. Peter's in 1998, and The MasterSingers at St. Peter's in 2003. Together, they are now called The Choir School at St. Peter's. These choirs constitute a music education and outreach program for youth ages 7 - 18, and members come from the larger Charlotte metropolitan area, regardless of religious affiliation, race, or economic background. Positions are filled by audition only. The choirs have earned a reputation for excellence, and work with other local musical companies such as Opera Carolina and Carolina Voices. They perform throughout the city, as well as touring across the nation and internationally. For more information, visit their Web site at www.thechoirschool.org.
For more information about the music ministry at St. Peter's, or to receive a brochure and music calendar, please contact us.