On Tuesday 26 April the College’s Chamber Choir led evensong at one of the country’s most historic venues for sacred music-making, Romsey Abbey.
Dating back to the 10th century, the Abbey is something of an architectural wonder, its amalgamation of various styles the consequence of centuries of rebuilding and renovation. It is also one the country’s most important musical centres, playing host to some of the world’s finest musicians and choirs.
Chamber Choir, who have historically sung evensong in some of the country’s finest churches and cathedrals, led a local congregation in the evening’s worship with Thomas Tallis’ Responses, psalm chanting, Vaughan Williams’ Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis and John Rutter’s touching Anthem ‘The Lord Bless you and Keep You’.
Earlier on in the day, the Choir were given a special VIP tour of the Abbey.
Speaking after the service, Curriculum Manager for Music, Harry White said, “This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to lead an ancient religious service, at whose heart is the power of music to inspire and uplift. I was thrilled by the students’ professionalism in directing such a complex service and by the beauty of their musicianship.”
The Reverend Tim Sledge spoke enthusiastically about the Choir “Our sincere thanks goes to all in the music department for participating in this service. It was a moving occasion and the choir sang beautifully.”
Second year student Chloe Elliott said “This was a wonderful opportunity to sing evensong; a new context for so many of us. Performing in such an historic and prestigious venue was an inspiring and fitting context for this wonderful choir.”
