This Christmas season I’ve had the treat of singing in two of London’s cathedrals with my choir the Oriana Singers. The Tunbridge Wells choir specialises in cathedral and sacred music and enjoys visiting cathedrals across the UK to provide relief to resident choirs, and choral services to local parishioners and tourists alike. This year the choir has sung in a good number, including a wonderful week of sung services in Truro.
It’s a unique experience at every cathedral as, just like churches, each place of worship has its own “flavour”, traditions, clergy, and of course architecture. This week we have had the pleasure of singing in two very different cathedrals, Westminster Abbey and Southwark Cathedral: a mean feat alongside turkey, mince pies, merriment and mulled wine! It’s been a great distraction from the bustle of Christmas and lovely opportunity for reflection and sacred song.
My favourites of this season were the Christmas classic Howells’ Here is the Little Door and Amner’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.
Here are a couple of photos of our travels…
…and a recording of the Howells to start keep the festive spirit alive a little longer!