Stefan Andre Waligur

Stefan Andre Waligur is also known as Macushla, an Irish term of endearment meaning "heartbeat of the Beloved". He is a contemplative, musician/composer, retreat leader and leader of new chant and kirtan around the world.

He has served as Liturgical Musician  for the ecumenical Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC, as chaplain at American University, adjunct faculty at Memphis Theological Seminary and Music Director at Theological College in Washington, D.C.

Classically trained at New England Conservatory his music has been performed by  the Chamber Brass of Boston, the Artaria String Quartet, and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble.

After a life-changing visit to the Taize community in France he began to write music in a similar style. Although similar to Taize chants, these new chants incorporate American rhythms and harmonies, Celtic melodies and the call and response style of Indian raga. Now a growing number of churches  and gatherings in the US and Europe are regularly using these chants as a part of their life. In addition, he has been engaged as a teacher of English chant by the Buddhist community Plum Village in the south of France, which was founded by Thich Nhat Hahn.

For the past ten years, he has traveled extensively while sharing his music in Europe, the United States, Israel/Palestine, and India.

Once each month -second Friday - Macushla leads an evening of chant and song at the Washington National Cathedral.