Creating Liturgical Beauty — Valerie Yova
As we move further down the road of revitalizing and reimagining PSALM, my aim is to tap into the wisdom of individuals who have been at the forefront of building Orthodox liturgical music ministry at the parish level. My prayer is that by learning what has worked well for them, as well as how they think, we can all be inspired with new ideas, actionable suggestions, and ways of thinking about what we do as we strive to create beautiful worship.
I decided to start by sharing some wisdom from two of my own mentors and colleagues—professional musicians from whom I have learned a great deal about leading music in the Church. They are both accomplished classical musicians who have extensive performing and teaching experience. Additionally, they have invested a great deal of time, energy, and heart into training other Orthodox musicians and in leading music in liturgical services.
Inspiration
Photini Downie Robinson is a tonsured cantor in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Protopsáltria (First Cantor) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. She is a specialist in Byzantine chant and is in international demand as a cantor, ensemble artist, teacher, writer, speaker, and workshop leader. <…>
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Practical Advice
Alice Hughes is one of the founders of PSALM and an active musical theater performer, voice teacher, and conductor who moved recently to Loudun County in Northern Virginia from Santa Cruz, California. She was music codirector for over three decades at St. Lawrence Orthodox Church in Felton, California. In October 2025, Alice was invited to present her one-woman show called Snapshots in New York City as part of the 19th Annual United Solo Theatre Festival.
