Musica Sacra San Antonio
was created to provide spiritually-enriching and artistic offerings of choral music in special religious settings.
The inclusion in our programs of professional musicians provides support for local artists, while helping us develop a broad audience of listeners for mutual enjoyment, edification, and cultural understanding.
Musica Sacra San Antonio was created in 2010 by Robert M. Finster as a Schola Cantorum in residence at Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio.
Choral programs drew from Anglican, Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox rites and practices. The choir continues to be noted for its high liturgical standards, s
Musica Sacra San Antonio was created in 2010 by Robert M. Finster as a Schola Cantorum in residence at Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio.
Choral programs drew from Anglican, Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox rites and practices. The choir continues to be noted for its high liturgical standards, stylistically authentic musical interpretations, and challenging, adventurous repertoire.
Upon Bob Finster's retirement in 2016, veteran choral conductor Owen Duggan assumed leadership and helped expand the group's range to include larger sacred masterworks such as C.P.E. Bach's Magnificat and John Rutter's Requiem, and John Tavener's Ikon of Light.
Musica Sacra has a membership of 16 singers,
augmented at times depending on works performed.
MSSA partners with places of worship, schools, and arts foundations, as well as area businesses in order to fulfill our unique mission in the community.
Dr. Owen Duggan has been with Musica Sacra San Antonio since 2014, joining first as bass-section-leader/associate-director under founding director Robert M. Finster. In 2016, Duggan was appointed Music Director of MSSA. He holds additional positions as Music Teacher/Director at the San Antonio Academy and Music Director at Northwood Presbyterian Church. He holds degrees from McGill University (Theory/Voice), University of North Texas (Voice/Theory), and University of Texas at Austin (Applied Music), and he has undertaken post-graduate studies in choral-orchestral conducting at the Eastman School of Music. He has previously served on the music faculty at San Jacinto College (Houston), San Antonio College, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Our Lady of the Lake University. An accomplished classical singer Duggan has performed with the Austin Civic Chorus, San Antonio Lyric Opera, Musical Bridges, Musical Offerings, San Antonio College Artist Series, Coronation (Fiesta San Antonio), Texas Bach Choir, and San Antonio Chamber Choir.
Duggan's choral compositions are published by Colla Voce Music.
Prior to his work with Musica Sacra San Antonio,
Dr. Robert Finster (1939-2020) established the Cantata Singers in Elmira, New York (now in its 50th season), Cathedral Singers in Denver, Colorado, and Texas Bach Choir, San Antonio. For eighteen seasons he was conductor of Ars Musica Chicago while serving on the faculty of the Chicago Theological Seminary. In addition, he served on the Presiding Bishop's Standing Commission on Church Music (ECUSA). Dr. Finster's expertise in orthodox liturgical practice helped distinguish him as a highly regarded church musician.