When Henry Flagler founded the Chapel, he set forth five distinct principles the Chapel would be grounded by. The fourth of those principles was that the chapel would have the best music. One hundred twenty years after that proclamation was made, we feel that Flagler would be proud of the outstanding music the Chapel offers. Between the weekly singing of hymns, our beautifully restored organ, our outstanding choir, or our concert series, our music program has something special to offer each listener.
Organ
Royal Poinciana Chapel re-inaugurated its restored Austin, 106 rank pipe organ, this April. The newly refurbished pipe organ spent two years being rebuilt at Austin Organs in Hartford, Conn. The console of the organ has 106 ranks of pipes, including several new ones, plus a computer system that connects to an iPad. A playback feature allows performances to be replayed.
The console stands on a hydraulic lift with doors that allow it, as well as a piano, to be easily moved to the upper level of the altar for better viewing. When played, it has the sounds of a full symphony, complete with strings, reeds, brass and flutes. Compared to before, the sound has tonal efficiency and is softer, with more neoclassical and subtle colorations, but not necessarily more volume. More ranks bring more sound possibilities.
“When you listen to it, it should be a sound you want to listen to all the time. My hope is that when all is said and done — and people sit out there and we start to play — they will think, ‘I am in heaven. When I get to heaven, this is what it will sound like.'”
Choir
The Royal Poinciana Chapel has fostered great music from its founding, and choral music in particular has always been an important element in the weekly worship services. Currently, the chorale comprises eight professional singers who have extensive experience in sacred music. Several among them are professors in area colleges, and others maintain active performing careers. Throughout the year the congregation is blessed by the solos and anthems they present.
Twice yearly the chorale is opened to members of the congregation at Christmas and President’s Day for cantatas with full symphonic orchestra. Rehearsals are held 3 to 4 Sundays in advance after the morning worship service. All singers who can read music are invited!
Concerts
The Royal Poinciana Chapel Concert Series presents concerts by major, emerging, student, and community talents from across the nation. Most performances take place in the Chapel sanctuary which has been lauded by musicians for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere. There will be a free will offering at each performance where there is no admission fee.
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 10:30am
In Celebration of Thanksgiving, come enjoy the beauty of Orchestra, Chorale and Organ as we worship, singing hymns of praise, thanks and beauty. This service will feature the beautiful O Divine Redeemer by Charles Gounod.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 10:30am
The Christmas Cantata presents Bob Krogstad’s A Christmas Festival. This festive work includes your favorite carols of the season and will also invite members of the congregation and community to join in the singing. Singers are invited. to join the Chorus for this Cantata. Plan to attend at least two rehearsals, choosing from the following dates: November 16, November 23, November 30.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 7:00pm
The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches featuring Soloists and Orchestra, conducted by the new director, Bryan Ijames, presents a favorite here at the Chapel, Messiah. Please visit www.masterworkspb.org for tickets.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE CHAPEL
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
4:00pm Family Service, Children’s Nativity, Service of Lessons and Carols, Brass Quintet and Candlelight.
8:00pm Traditional Service with Brass Quintet and Chorale. Service of Lessons and Carols and Candlelight.
CHAPEL CHORALE DUO RECITAL
Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:30pm
Come and enjoy the vocal talents of tenors Christopher Waite and Leo Williams singing all periods of the vocal repertoire. The afternoon concert will feature Chris and Leo singing solo works and a duet or two; featuring Broadway, The Great American Songbook, Gospel, Opera, and others.
SCOTTISH SUNDAY
Sunday, January 26, 2026 at 10:30am
Continuing in the rich Tradition of Scottish Sunday here at the Chapel, we extend “a thousand welcomes and many thanks” to all who worship. A fun fellowship hour will follow worship in Kirkman Fellowship Hall.
VALENTINES DINNER
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:30pm
Come and enjoy the music provided by Jeff Kaye and friends playing popular and jazz standards. Also enjoy a wonderful meal catered by Sandy James Fine Foods. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an evening in the Kirkman Fellowship Hall celebrating the beauty of Valentine’s Day. Tickets are available beginning January 11 after worship, or call Debbie at 561.655.4212.
OF FAITH AND FREEDOM
Sunday, February 15, 2026
A Patriotic Cantata by Joseph M. Martin
The Patriotic Cantata will feature this wonderful work by Joseph Martin, to celebrate and honor our freedom as Americans, as well as to pay homage to our Presidents, and all who have served. Singers who wish to join the Chorus for this Cantata are asked to attend at least two rehearsals, choosing from the following dates: January 18, February 1, or February 8.
OPERA FUOCO
Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 5:00pm
Come and enjoy these terrific musicians and vocalists from France, playing and singing early repertoire on period instruments of late Renaissance and Baroque. This concert will be in Kirkman Fellowship Hall for its warm and inviting acoustics, and scenic views.
CHAPEL CHORALE DUO RECITAL
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2:30pm
Husband and wife Jason and Laurie Lester will perform an array of repertoire for solo and duet here in the chapel. These wonderful singers will highlight a variety of vocal repertoire of all periods, both solo and duet.
ORGAN RECITAL DAVID JONIES
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00pm
German Organist and Director of Music for Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago will play a varied program of repertoire to showcase the wonderful organ literature, as well as the 106 rank chapel Austin Organ.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 7:00pm
A Solemn Service here at the chapel. Details will be available on our website www.RoyalPoincianaChapel.org.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Friday, April 3, 2026 at noon
A service featuring the beautiful 7 Last Words of Christ by Théodore Dubois featuring Chapel Chorale, instruments, and organ
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 9:00am and 11:00am
A glorious celebration on Easter morning with Choral, Organ, Brass and Timpani. Stunning Easter f loral arrays will abound to celebrate the year’s most important Sunday.
BLUEGRASS SUNDAY
Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 10:30am
The band “Dailey and Vincent” will be here to inspire all who attend with the showcase of their Bluegrass music.
CHAPEL CHORALE DUO RECITAL
Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:30pm
Joanna Latini and Jennifer Wilson will perform a variety of solo works from various centuries in concert here at the Chapel. Please join us at this afternoon’s concert with these talented musicians.
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