SC Connecticut News

The Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) is observing its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of studying and celebrating the sacred arts. The institute, which has grown into an interdisciplinary center for the study of worship and sacred arts across various faith traditions, was established in 1974 after being relocated to the campus of Yale University from the Union Theological Seminary’s School of Sacred Music in New York City.

According to Mike Cummings, the ISM has flourished over the years, evolving into a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to the exploration of sacred music, worship, and related arts. The relocation of the institution was made possible through a grant from the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation, spearheaded by Clementine Miller Tangeman and J. Irwin Miller.

The institute's mission has expanded to encompass not only the training of musicians and clergy but also the inclusion of scholars and non-musical artists engaging in Christianity more broadly. Students are encouraged to explore connections in their chosen field and delve into the role of arts in human flourishing.

Rachel Segger, ISM’s manager of academics and student affairs, shared her personal experience, stating, “Coming here as an organist and being immersed in the interdisciplinary atmosphere was transformative and life-giving.” She emphasized the importance of the arts in the sacred experience and how the ISM trains musicians and clergy to harness the power of the sacred arts.

William I. Miller, reflecting on the institute's growth, expressed pride in its expansion while remaining true to the original vision set forth by his family members. He noted, “The institute has far outstripped what anybody originally thought it would be able to do and it has done so in ways consistent with my family’s interests and hopes for it.”

As part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, the ISM is hosting a series of public programs, including performances such as Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Mass in B Minor” and an ecumenical hymn festival featuring various vocal ensembles and guest preachers.

Throughout its history, the ISM has continued to evolve and innovate, staying committed to the study and promotion of the sacred arts while nurturing a diverse and inclusive community of individuals passionate about worship and music across different traditions.