Since its inception more than 125 years ago, the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir has been considered the gold standard of liturgical music-an example of artistic excellence that has garnered worldwide renown. Yet behind this stately faade lies an intriguing mix of New York history, star secrets, and high-level office politics that has made the choir not only a source of prime musical entertainment but also fodder for tabloids and periodicals across the nation. In this unique and engaging book, readers are treated to a treasure trove of vibrant characters, from opera stars from around the world to the thousands of volunteer singers who brought their own hopes and dreams- and widely varying musical abilities-to the fabled choir. Entwined with the history of New York, Salvatore Basile's pitch-perfect exploration shows the choir as a microcosm for the larger trends, upheavals, and events that have made up the history of the city, the nation, and even the world.