The Sung Word: The Story of Sacred Choral Music

Director of Music & Liturgy Simon Berry traces the rich evolution of sacred choral music from ancient Gregorian chant to modern polyphony. How did church music evolve from simple ancient chants to grand polyphonic masterpieces? Join us for an engaging journey through the evolution of sacred choral music with Simon Berry, Director of Music & Liturgy at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. Simon will trace how singing in worship developed over centuries—from early chant and Gregorian melodies to the polyphonic heights of Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart, through to modern masters like Britten and MacMillan. Beyond the musical timeline, Simon will explore what defines "sacred" music according to Church tradition and share personal reflections from his lifelong journey as a church musician. Simon Berry serves as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, where he oversees one of the largest music ministries in the Bay Area. With extensive experience across schools and religious institutions on both sides of the Atlantic, he is a passionate advocate for sacred music and the unique role of the pipe organ in cultural and spiritual life.