The College’s Chamber Choir recently led Evensong at one of Europe’s highest profile sacred venues – Westminster Abbey.  Having been the coronation church since 1066, the current building dates back to 1245 during the reign of Henry III. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of most important buildings in the country. 

Amongst the 3,300 buried or commemorated at Westminster Abbey, many are notable musicians, including Benjamin Britten, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Henry Purcell and G.F. Handel.  The rich history continues to this very day as Evensong has been offered nearly every day for over a thousand years.

The College’s Chamber Choir, who have historically sung Evensong in some of the country’s finest churches and cathedrals, led a congregation of over 500 in the evening’s worship with Stewart’s Responses, psalm chanting, canticles by Howard Skempton and a setting of the ‘Peace I leave with you’ by American composer Amy Beach.  Earlier on in the day, the students had the opportunity to explore the Abbey.

Speaking after the service, Harry White, Curriculum Manager for music said, “This was, for most of us, a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the result of years of hard work. References from cathedrals and historic recordings dating back several years had to be approved by the Abbey and so credit must go to both past and present members of the College’s Chamber Choir. Furthermore, such was the quality of the service, that the Abbey have invited Chamber Choir back in the future to sing without the need for external recommendations, a privilege normally afforded only to specialist cathedral schools. As a result, future College students will be able to benefit from the talent and dedication of this extraordinary group of young musicians.”

Mya Onwugbonu, second year student commented, “It’s difficult to explain what it meant to all of us to sing at Westminster Abbey. Everyone worked so hard for this opportunity and it was a truly fantastic experience to sing in such a world-renowned space. I will forever hold this opportunity close to my heart.”