Views from the Choir Loft

Andrew Leung • Article Archive

Andrew Leung graduated from the sacred music program of Franciscan University of Steubenville, majored in vocal performance. He has also studied organ, choral conducting and Gregorian chant with world-class musicians. Prior to returning to Hong Kong, he served as a parish music director in Atlanta, and later as the organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral of Macau, China. Andrew is currently the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers and music director at Our Lady of China Church. He is also an artist and vocal coach at the Paul Phoenix Academy.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Andrew Leung · April 12, 2018

Photos • Two Recent Solemn Masses in Hong Kong

This wasn’t my first time serving as a subdeacon, but it was a trembling experience.

Andrew Leung · March 8, 2018

When Music Encounters Religion

A very special project at the University of St Andrews: the TheoArtistry project.

Andrew Leung · February 22, 2018

The Smoke of Satan

Blessed Pope Paul VI: “The smoke of Satan has entered the Church.”

Andrew Leung · February 1, 2018

A Chinese Mass Setting

A Mass setting from the Far East composed by Fr. Si-Yan Tang.

Andrew Leung · January 30, 2018

Cardinal Zen’s Open Letter

Cardinal Zen explaining the current situation of the Church in China.

Andrew Leung · January 25, 2018

FREE • Chant Conducting Seminar

Register now!!! Free online seminar on Gregorian Chant Conducting with Dr. Jennifer Donelson

Andrew Leung · January 11, 2018

Don’ts for Choirmasters (Part 2)

John Newton’s practical, spiritual and entertaining ideas and advice for choirmasters.

Andrew Leung · January 4, 2018

Don’ts for Choirmasters (Part 1)

A recently-discovered manual for choir directors by John Newton.

Andrew Leung · December 21, 2017

The Marvels of Choral Singing

A reflection and meditation on choral singing.

Andrew Leung · December 14, 2017

Video • A Chinese Offertory Hymn

My new choir singing a Chinese offertory hymn…

Andrew Leung · November 23, 2017

Arvo Pärt received the Ratzinger Prize

“A beautiful choice, that of the commission, aimed at pointing out that new way for theology that is music”

Andrew Leung · November 9, 2017

Vox Antiqua’s Debut

My new choir made its debut on the Feast of Christ the King.

Andrew Leung · November 2, 2017

Video • My New Project

Vox Antiqua, the new Catholic professional choir in Hong Kong, in action!

Andrew Leung · October 26, 2017

Singing with Peter Philips

Peter Philips: “Polyphony shouldn’t be sung with absolute straight tone—that is not real singing!”

Andrew Leung · October 5, 2017

A Liturgical Tragedy

I have experienced a similar situation before, and it was not a pleasant experience.

“Music List” • Midnight Mass (Christmas)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the “ORDER OF MUSIC” we followed for our Christmas Midnight Mass. If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The English version of “In Splendóribus” we’re singing for the COMMUNION CHANT is short but striking.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Silent Night” • Easy Organ Arrangement

Here’s an organ accompaniment (PDF) in three different key signatures: MIDDLE, HIGH, and LOW. The Latin lyrics (“Silens Nox”) are courtesy of Father Valentine Young, OFM (d. 2020). The organ harmonies are very simple, yet beautiful. Those who desire such a thing may also download a Singer’s Version. Choirs will ‘pick up’ this piece up with minimal rehearsal time. Here’s a live recording from Midnight Mass from a few years ago: LIVE RECORDING.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Chart For Each Mode”

On 13 December, Dr. Weaver posted an article about the EIGHT CHURCH MODES. I thought it might be helpful to create this mode chart (PDF) which gives the various names for each mode of Gregorian Chant. If you notice any errors, please let me know!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Lessons and Carols”

Seen online! Dr. Samuel Backman conducted a “Lessons and Carols” service with his choir, and someone produced this lovely vignette.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Epiphany Proclamation 2025

Each year, without fail, someone asks me to typeset the Epiphany Proclamation, an announcement of moveable feasts chanted each year on the feast of the Epiphany. As a result, you may now find an archive of 23 such proclamations in PDF ready to print HERE.

—Veronica Brandt

The Breviary in the Life of the Laity

Recently I have been enjoying looking through the inaugural (1927) edition of a 20th-century liturgical magazine called Orate Fratres. The July 1927 issue included an excellent article by a Chicago laywoman named Ellen Gates Starr entitled “The Delights of the Breviary: From the Point of View of a Lay Woman.” As we in the 21st century have recently undergone a (blessed!) re-translation of the missal into English, and as we await with joyful hope (please God, before Jesus comes back!) a similar re-translation of the breviary, the opening of her article reminded me of that old saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Nearly a hundred years ago, she penned words that could just as easily have been written today: “It is indeed a privilege to be allowed any participation, however slight, in the liturgical movement in the Church – the movement to bring back the classics of devotion, the Missal and the Breviary, into general use by the laity. The wonder is that they should ever have fallen into disuse. Nothing can take the place of these great universal prayers of the Church, the prayers of the Mass and the divine Office. One has only to know them to find them indispensable. And alas, how few of the laity know them!” I know that I have been tremendously nourished by regular praying of the breviary as of late, and my wish is that you and I, dear reader, may continue to nourish our interior lives with the official prayer of the Church, which present to us (in the Mass) and extend (in the Office) the fullness of Christ’s greatest gift to us – the gift of Himself – in the Most Holy Eucharist.

—Daniel Tucker