On 27th September, seven young choristers were privileged to be involved in the Royal School of Church Music Festival Service at Birmingham Cathedral. They had all been working hard for nearly two months having extra rehearsals with David and Helen, from The Harbury Choir School, in order to learn the very challenging music required.

Veni Sancte Spiritus.

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On the day, they joined over 100 other choristers from some of the top Church choirs in the region, for a morning rehearsal prior to the Festival Service itself. The youngsters were not daunted by the number of people or the large four part choral sound being produced; and even found themselves sitting on the front row for both the rehearsal and the main event!

The music they had to learn was in several different languages including an East African traditional worship song, that was sung unaccompanied, and a long anthem in Latin. Pieces such as Rutter’s ‘Gaelic Blessing’ and Chilcot’s ‘Be Thou my Vision’ showcased the young trebles who produced a wonderful blended sound. They also sang high descants over the top of the hymns with a brass fanfare and organ.

Empty, broken here I am.

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The youngsters were an absolute credit to us and made a very good impression on the event organisers and other choir leaders present. Their behaviour was impeccable and they demonstrated that they had not just learnt the music, but learnt the skills to prove themselves professional young performers as well.

We look forward to continuing with Thursday night rehearsals as The Harbury Choir School term commencing 2nd October and hope that this event’s success will continue, and open other such opportunities for as many young singers from the local area as possible.

The music from the service consisted of:

  • Introit: Allunde. East African arr. G.Weaver
  • Hymn: Angel voices, ever singing.
  • Hymn: Empty, broken, here I stand. Words & Music Nick & Anita Haigh
  • Psalm. Harmony, Michael Perrier
  • Hymn: Veni sancte spiritus. Music by Chistopher Walker
  • Anthem: Evening Hymn (latin). Music by Henry Gardiner
  • Hymn: Silent and still
  • Anthem: Gaelic Blessing. Music by John Rutter
  • Anthem: Be Thou my Vision. Music by Bob Chilcott
  • Anthem: Come Holy Ghost. Music by Michael Perrier
  • Hymn: Christ triumphant. Music by John Barnard