Have you heard the Higher Word? NYC grown Catholic orchestra going from strength to strength

Emerging from a modest beginning in 2023, Higher Word has swiftly become a distinctive presence within New York City's classical music scene by intertwining Catholic spirituality with orchestral performances. Founded by Spencer McIntosh and Nick Sam, the ensemble initially gathered as a social salon for Catholics sharing music and conversation.

Their inaugural concert, set for October 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua in Soho, nearly faced financial failure when ticket sales lagged far behind venue capacity. Yet, after a determined marketing push and encouragement from a local priest, the event drew an unexpectedly large crowd, turning potential losses into a celebrated success. This breakthrough moment marked the start of a trajectory characterized by growing audiences and expanding musical ambition.

Higher Word’s programming reflects a unique mission to present classical repertoire through a Catholic lens, engaging listeners both intellectually and spiritually. This approach resonates amid a cultural climate where many seek refuge in beauty and meaning, particularly in the wake of societal disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensemble’s leadership, including Juilliard-trained composer and conductor Jacob Beranek and Manhattan School of Music alumna Christa Dalmazio, emphasizes music’s ability to address the deeper human yearning for transcendence beyond mundane existence.

Their concerts often combine orchestral performance with meditative reflections and theological commentary, offering holistic experiences that attract diverse audiences. A recent Easter concert at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral drew over 500 attendees, signifying the orchestra’s rising prominence and appeal.

The ensemble's success has also garnered the attention of established figures in the music world. Notably, renowned composer Bill Conti, famous for scores like the "Theme from Rocky," has invited Higher Word and saxophonist Fr. James O’Reilly—a priest-musician associated with the group—to participate in recording one of his new compositions, underscoring the orchestra’s growing artistic credibility.

Higher Word’s concerts also often feature celebrations tied to the Catholic liturgical calendar, such as their upcoming program centered on the Feast of the Guardian Angels at St. Jean Baptiste. These events contribute to a broader cultural revival of Catholic identity in New York, where some parishes have reported increased attendance and a resurgence of interest in the faith.

Financially, the non-profit ensemble relies on a combination of ticket revenue, donations, and volunteer musicianship. Many performers prioritize the mission over remuneration, which has allowed Higher Word to sustain and broaden its offerings despite the inherent challenges of launching a new orchestra in an expensive city.

Beyond music, Higher Word has fostered community connections, reportedly influencing personal lives, including marriages and conversions among its participants. This social dimension reflects the group’s origin as a gathering space for Catholics seeking both aesthetic and spiritual enrichment.

Looking ahead, Higher Word aims to expand its calendar with additional concerts, lectures, and liturgical events, aspiring to integrate more deeply into New York's cultural fabric. The founders advocate for Catholic-inspired art to be appreciated widely, rather than confined to niche audiences, signaling an ambition to redefine the city’s artistic landscape by blending tradition with contemporary expression.

While Higher Word’s early days were marked by uncertainty, the ensemble’s rapid growth and recognition suggest a sustained appetite for art that engages both faith and artistry. This development illustrates a broader cultural trend in which religious themes find new life within secular artistic forums, offering fresh pathways for communal and personal exploration through music.