Welcome to the Saint Mary Choir blog

The church has both an adult and junior choir. We are affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music(RSCM). The junior choir are provided with tuition to enable them to gain their RSCM medals. The RSCM Singing Awards celebrate singers’ achievements and progress, through formal examinations at three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold ( Bronze award is roughly equivalent to ABRSM grade 4. Similarly Silver roughly equates to grade 6 and Gold to grade 8).

The senior choir is a four part harmony choir with its main responsibility to sing at the 10am Sunday service, including an anthem.

Our choirs do not require any fees to belong to them or for any training. New members to both the senior and junior choir are always welcome whatever their standard. If you are interested in joining us please contact our Director of Music (Joanna) via the  Contact Us page.

Sunday, 24 December 2017

23rd December 2017 Village Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Notes taken directly from the service sheet.

The Lord at first did Adam make.  David Willcocks (1919-2015)

Joseph and the Angel.  Richard Terry (1865-1938)
Now chiefly known for the 19th Century revival of Tudor church music, Terry also wrote many carols - words and music - as well as being the first Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral and a well-regarded organist an choir trainer.

Our Blessed Lady's Lullaby.  Christopher Chivers (1967-)
A former Precentor of Westminster Abbey, now principal of Westcott House, Cambridge, Chris Chivers wrote this setting of a 16th Century text for the choir of Magdalen College, Oxford.

It came upon the midnight clear.  Willis (1819-1900)/Rose (1934-)
The tune by Richard Storrs Wills is the one most Americans associate with this carol.  Barry Rose, formerly Master of Music at St Paul's and ST Alban's cathedrals, has made a charming arrangement to enhance the simple melody.

Welcome Yule! C Hubert H Parry (1848-1918)
A lively, enjoyable setting of a 15th Century text by the composer of "Blest Pair of Sirens" and "Jerusalem".

Ding dong! merrily on high.  Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003)
A light-hearted  reworking of the traditional carol.
Posted by at
     

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)