Where can I obtain the order of service you use?
We use a customized order which we refer to as “The Seattle Rite”. This rite is based on the RSCM Compline: An Order for Night Prayer in traditional language, which you may purchase in North America from GIA Publications, Inc., and in the UK/Europe from RSCM Music Direct. There is also a contemporary language version available from GIA here and RSCM here.
Can I record the service? Can I take photographs during the service?
Photography and audio or video recordings are strictly prohibited. Out of respect for the Compline Choirs and those assembled, silence all phones and mobile devices. Finally, we ask that you maintain silence in the cathedral before, during, and after the service.
Can I use your music in a YouTube video or video for home, work, or personal use?
In short, yes. You must license such use through FriendlyMusic.com so that the Compline Choir receives all sync licensing royalties required by law.
When is the office of Compline? Can I listen via radio or internet broadcasts?
Compline is sung every Sunday at 9:30 PM, Pacific Time, throughout the year. The service has been broadcast live on Classical KING since 1962. Podcasts are available here. Video livestreams are available here.
How long has the office of Compline been sung at the cathedral?
Compline at Saint Mark’s Cathedral began when Peter Hallock invited twelve music students from the University of Washington to study and sing plainsong. By 1956, this study group became the Compline Choir and chanted the office of Compline for others on Sunday nights.
How many people attend the service?
Since re-opening to the public in August 2021, Compline attracts a diverse congregation of up to 200 people. Classical KING estimates that 11,000 or more listen to weekly radio or internet broadcasts.
Are the people who sing the service monks or nuns?
No. Some are Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Lutheran or another denomination; some are non-believers. All members of choirs are volunteers and freely give of their time and talents to chant the Office of Compline and support its operation.
Who directs the choir?
Jason Anderson has directed the Compline Choir since July 2009. He joined the choir in 2004, singing baritone and countertenor. Rebekah Gilmore has directed the Women’s Compline Choir since 2019.
Who started the choir?
Peter Hallock (1924-2014) founded the Compline Choir in 1956; he directed the choir for 53 years from 1956-2009. During his tenure at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Hallock produced a remarkable legacy of over 200 musical compositions, oversaw installation of the Flentrop tracker-action organ and purchase of Dutch handbells from Petit & Fritsen, and built a national reputation for a superb musical tradition. A portion of Peter’s remains rest behind a memorial plaque placed in the northeast column next to the Compline corner.
Why are the choirs comprised of single-gender singers only?
As the Compline Choirs were founded in the monastic tradition, they have been comprised entirely of either male- or female-identifying singers since inception. In the monastic tradition, men and women are separately cloistered.
How early should I arrive to get a good seat? What do you charge?
The doors to the cathedral do not open to the public until 9:00 PM. As this is a church service, there is no charge. However, you are encouraged to support the Compline Choir by making a one-time or recurring contribution, or purchase one of our recordings.
Does the choir receive money I place in the donation basket on the way out?
No, this money directly support Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and your donations help support the ministry and mission of the cathedral. We are grateful to those who donate and strongly encourage all who attend Compline to support the cathedral and the Compline Choir.
Are members of the Compline Choir paid? When do you hold auditions?
Except for the Directors, all members of the Compline Choirs are volunteers and freely give of their time and talents to sing the office of Compline and support the Choirs’ daily operations. Auditions are held only when vacancies occur; typically, auditions are held in late summer or early autumn. If you are a trained, classical musician with significant experience singing in choirs, and would like to submit your resumé or vita, we would be delighted to receive and hold it. We will contact you as vacancies occur.
If we can answer any questions for you or if you would like further information, please contact us.