Music at Robertson-Wesley
Rooted in tradition, open to innovation
Music is a vital part of life at Robertson-Wesley United Church. From choral anthems to contemplative instrumentals, our worship services feature a wide range of music that reflects the depth and diversity of our faith. Whether it’s through singing, instrumental performance, or handbell ringing, music helps us express what words alone cannot.More Than Sunday Music
Thanks to the stunning acoustics of our sanctuary, Robertson-Wesley is also a sought-after venue for concerts and musical events throughout the year. We regularly host performances by local and touring artists, offering the community a rich tapestry of musical expression.
A Home for Music in the City
Our sanctuary’s exceptional acoustics make Robertson-Wesley a popular venue for concerts and rehearsals. Throughout the year, we host performances by local and touring musicians, offering space for artistic expression that extends beyond our congregation.
We are also proud to be the home base for several Edmonton music organizations that rehearse and perform in our space, including:
Alberta Baroque Ensemble
Cantilon Choirs
Songkraft
The Vox Collective
Interested in hosting a concert or rehearsal at Robertson-Wesley? Contact us to learn more about venue rental opportunities.
Musical Instruments at Robertson-Wesley
Crafted with care. Played with purpose.
Music at Robertson-Wesley is shaped not just by the voices and hands that bring it to life, but also by the instruments that fill our sanctuary with sound. Each one carries its own history and offers a unique contribution to our worship and musical events.
Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ
Installed in 1979, our pipe organ is the 91st instrument built by master organ builder Gabriel Kney of London, Ontario. Designed in the classical (neo-Baroque) style, it’s housed in a red oak case crafted to complement the sanctuary’s architecture.
The organ features mechanical (tracker) action, a traditional method where each key connects directly to its pipe via a series of levers. Aside from the blower and lights, there are no electronics involved—just the physical connection between musician and instrument.
The console includes 36 stops, three manuals, a full pedalboard, and two mechanical couplers. With 2,750 pipes ranging from ¼ inch to 8 feet in length, the instrument delivers rich, resonant sound across four divisions and 54 ranks. The façade pipes, made of polished tin, showcase the principal voices of each division.
Tonal design was led by Bruce Wheatcroft, with voicing and finishing completed by Kney himself. The organ was dedicated to the glory of God on September 16, 1979, and remains a central part of our musical identity.
Organ History
The Kney organ is the third pipe organ to serve this congregation. The original Casavant Frères organ was installed in 1914 and used until 1955. It was later rebuilt in 1956 with new casework, electrified action, and added stops. In 1979, this second organ was sold to a Lutheran college in Minnesota, making way for the installation of the current Kney instrument.
Yamaha Grand Piano
Our sanctuary piano is a Yamaha G2, a 5'8" grand piano purchased in the late 1980s. Built in Japan, the piano features a walnut woodgrain finish and a warm, expressive tone ideal for both worship and performance.
It was dedicated in February 1991 in loving memory of Stuart Bird, a long-time member of Robertson-Wesley, and was made possible through the generosity of his family and members of the congregation.
Handbells & Chimes
The Robertson-Wesley Ringers and Nova Bells bring a joyful dimension to worship through our extensive collection of handbells and chimes. The church is home to:
A 5-octave set of Malmark English handbells
A 4-octave set of Schulmerich handbells
5 octaves of Malmark handchimes
Many of these instruments have been donated in memory of loved ones and continue to ring out in celebration, reflection, and community spirit during worship and special events.
The Choir of Robertson-Wesley
Rooted in tradition, singing with purpose
The Choir of Robertson-Wesley brings depth and beauty to worship with music that spans from classical composers like Byrd and Britten to spirituals and newly commissioned works.
Open to high school students and adults, the choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings (7:30–9:30 PM) and sings most Sundays from September to June. No formal audition is needed, but we encourage new members to connect with the Director of Music before attending.
Special services include the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Holy Week. The choir also performs at community events and notable venues—including Carnegie Hall and churches across England.
We are proud to support our choir with professional section leads and occasional collaborations with Cantilon Choirs.
Want to hire the choir for a wedding or event?
📧 music@rwuc.org
Handbells at Robertson-Wesley
Ringing out joy for over 50 years
Our handbell ministry includes two ensembles:
Nova Bells
Thursdays, 5:15–6:15 PM (Sept–Nov)
A welcoming, all-ages group for those new to handbells. Learn bell techniques, basic music reading, and the role of bells in worship.
Robertson-Wesley Ringers
Thursdays, 6:45–8:30 PM (Sept–Dec)
A performance group for experienced ringers. This ensemble plays in worship, at concerts, and in community outreach events.
We’re fortunate to play on 5 octaves of Malmark and Schulmerich handbells, along with 5 octaves of chimes—many gifted in memory of loved ones.
Interested in joining?
Contact Dr. Allan Bevan
📧 music@rwuc.org | 📞 780-482-1587
