Unexpected Colonial American Composers: The Sisters of the Ephrata Cloister

The Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, was a celibate, ascetic, German-speaking, Sabbatarian commune in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. Its residents produced a large corpus of choral hymns and motets and also published the third music treatise written in what is today the United States of America.

Because Ephrata produced no biological heirs, its documents were scattered and its traditions were forgotten over the course of the nineteenth century. Although significant strides have been made in recent years to understand Ephrata’s theology, substantial lacunae remain in the study of its music.

This presentation will introduce the attendees to some photographs of the musical manuscripts held in libraries throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. It will also discuss the process by which Ephrata composers wrote hymns, in reference to their music treatise. Finally, it will reveal evidence indicating that Ephrata’s solitary sisters wrote some of the hymns, establishing their status as American composers.

About the Speaker

Christopher Dylan Herbert (baritone) performs frequently throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and is a two-time GRAMMY® nominee. He has soloed with The San Francisco Symphony and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, performed Ginastera centennial celebrations with International Contemporary Ensemble and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, and consistently presents Winterize – an outdoor adaptation of Winterreise with transistor radios. He holds a B.A. in Music from Yale University, an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University, and D.M.A. in Voice from The Juilliard School. His current research focus is on the music of eighteenth-century Pennsylvania. He was the baritone in the critically acclaimed ensemble New York Polyphony for a decade. He is the head of the voice program and the Honors Music Track Director at William Paterson University.

Secure your virtual seat today for this program or save over 20% by locking in the entire series today and be part of the conversation!

The Communities In Conversation Series - Sponsored by the Central New York Library Resources Council
August 20, 2026 - Communal History IS American History, Thomas A. Guiler, Oneida Community Mansion House

October 27, 2026 - "Perverted Spiritualistic Forces": John Humphrey Noyes versus William Hepworth Dixon in the Victorian Press, Christian Goodwillie – Hamilton College

November 24, 2026 - Sex, Communalism, and Utopia: How a 70s Commune Took Oneida into the Future, Cheryl Coulthard – Vice President, Communal Studies Association

January 26, 2027 - New Light Family Values: Sex & Salvation in Revolutionary New England, Douglas L. Winiarski – University of Richmond

April 1, 2027 - Unexpected Colonial American Composers: The Sisters of the Ephrata Cloister, Christopher Herbert – William Paterson University

April 15, 2027 - Camphill and the Ever-Changing Face of Intentional Community, Dan McKanan – Harvard Divinity School

April 27, 2027 - From Oneida to Ithaca: Enduring Themes in Intentional Communities, Jen Myers – Thrive EcoVillage Education Center / Center for Transformative Action

-All registrants will receive a Zoom link within 48 hours of registration.

-All proceeds support the preservation of the Oneida Community Mansion House and its educational programs.