Come & Sing - Choral Evensong

Sunday 12th October

It was with some trepidation that I set off for church at about 2:30. It was important that this event was successful, as a foundation for other similar events. But the doubts continually crept in: Will anyone turn up? Will we have enough copies? Will we achieve the fairly ambitious program of music?

By twenty past three my concerns over numbers had dissipated - but that merely heightened my worries over copies. Fifty-six singers had arrived from all parts of the diocese and (miracle of miracles) they were well balanced across all four parts.

The decision had been taken to use the Choral Public Domain Library on the web to provide the copies and, in most cases, this worked well. However, I need to find a solution for those who do not have access to the internet or who are not confident in downloading files. But, it was relatively trouble-free.

Harry Hitchen directing the choir, began the rehearsal with O Thou the Central Orb (Charles Wood) and it was marvellous to hear the ancient chancel fill with the combined sound of the Harrison organ and massed choir. My concerns began to recede - a little.

The rehearsal proceeded well through the Evening Canticles in C (CV Stanford), Responses (MJ Gibson) and the three hymns: All creatures of our God and King, Angel voices ever singing and Let all the world in every corner sing.

All too soon it was time for a light tea in the south transept refectory and a brief walk in the surprisingly warm evening sunshine.

At six-twenty I began to play my opening voluntary as the choir found their seats. The service just flew by and there was hardly time to register the amazing sound of all the singers who surpassed their achievements in the rehearsal.

I would like to thank all those who attended especially Father Graham who inspired the event, Harry Hitchen, John Savage, the choir and also those who came to evensong to support the singers. It was for me a memorable occasion, which will be repeated.

Ian Miller