Sacred Music

Music plays a vital and reverent role in the liturgical life of St. Mary’s Basilica. Under the direction of our Organist and Director of Music, Gordon Stevenson, the music at our liturgies is designed to elevate the soul and deepen the experience of worship.

In harmony with the Church’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963), the faithful are invited to “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgy. Gregorian chant, which the Church recognizes as especially suited to the Roman Rite, is given pride of place in many of our solemn celebrations. These liturgies are often chanted, with the congregation encouraged to join in the Ordinary of the Mass and the sacred dialogues.

The musical atmosphere at St. Mary’s is rich and diverse. Our choir, reflecting the cultural tapestry of Phoenix, sings regularly in English, Spanish, and Latin. The repertoire spans from contemporary sacred works by composers like Rutter and Lauridsen to timeless masterpieces by Bach, Mozart, and Palestrina. This blend of tradition and beauty creates a deeply prayerful environment that draws the faithful into the mystery of the Mass.

The Basilica Choir leads the music at the 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM Sunday Masses, offering a rich and reverent musical experience. The Saturday 5:00 PM Vigil Mass is typically accompanied by organ and cantor, while the 7:00 AM Sunday Mass is celebrated in quiet simplicity, without music. All weekend liturgies follow a unified musical program, enhanced by the majestic sound of our grand pipe organ, which provides both accompaniment and sacred repertoire.

During the liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter, the music is further enriched by professional instrumentalists, including violin, trumpet, and timpani, adding to the solemnity and joy of these holy days.

Whether you are a regular parishioner or a first-time visitor, the music at St. Mary’s Basilica offers a sacred and uplifting experience that enhances the beauty and reverence of the Mass.

The Second Vatican Council, in its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, affirms the esteemed place of the pipe organ in the life of the Church: “In the Latin Church, the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.”— Sacrosanctum Concilium, Art. 120

At Saint Mary’s Basilica, we are blessed to house a magnificent pipe organ crafted by the Schantz Organ Company. Installed in 2012, this instrument comprises twenty-six ranks of pipes and was made possible through the generous support of our parish community. It replaced a temporary electronic organ that had served since the mid-1980s, following the loss of the original 1918 Estey pipe organ.

While the organ is admired by visiting recitalists and musicians, its primary and most sacred purpose is to serve the liturgy. It uplifts the hearts of the faithful, supports congregational singing, accompanies the choir, and enriches our worship with sacred repertoire and liturgical improvisation. The organ is an integral part of all our liturgical celebrations and can be heard during our weekday 12:05 PM Mass and throughout all weekend liturgies.

Great (Manual I, expressive)

• 16′ Lieblich Gedeckt (73)
• 8′ Open Diapason
• 8′ Harmonic Flute (1–12 from Ged.)
• 8′ Gedeckt (ext)
• 4′ Octave
• 4′ Harmonic Flute
• 2′ Fifteenth
• IV Mixture
• 8′ Clarinet (Prepared)
• 8′ Trompeta de Papa (Prepared)
• Tremulant
• Couplers: G/G 16, Off, 4 | S/G 16, 8, 4 | MIDI on Great

Swell (Manual II, expressive)

• 8′ Chimney Flute
• 8′ Salicional
• 8′ Celeste (GG)
• 4′ Principal
• 4′ Open Flute
• 2⅔′ Nazard
• 2′ Octavin
• 1⅗′ Tierce
• IV Plein Jeu
• 16′ Bassoon
• 8′ Trumpet
• 4′ Oboe
• Tremulant
• Couplers: S/S 16, Off, 4 | G/S 8 | MIDI on Swell

Pedal (unenclosed)

• 32′ Resultant
• 16′ Subbass
• 16′ Lieblich Gedeckt (Gt)
• 8′ Octavebass
• 8′ Bourdon (from 16′ Subbass and 4′ Flute)
• 8′ Lieblich Gedeckt (Sw)
• 4′ Choralbass (ext)
• 4′ Flute
• 16′ Double Trumpet (Sw)
• 16′ Bassoon (Sw)
• 8′ Trumpet (Sw)
• 4′ Oboe (Sw)
• Couplers: G/P 8, 4 | S/P 8, 4 | MIDI on Pedal

Console Features

• Solid-state capture combination action with 255 memory levels
• 12 General pistons (thumb and toe)
• 6 Great thumb pistons
• 6 Swell thumb pistons
• 6 Pedal toe pistons
• General Cancel piston
• Reversible pistons: Great to Pedal, Swell to Pedal, Swell to Great, Sforzando
• Setter piston
• Programmable Crescendo (1 fixed, 3 adjustable)
• Nave Expression Shades Off (tilting tablet)
• Transposer