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Today the
choir of Girls and Men (36 in all) visited Gloucester
Cathedral for the first time. We were warmly welcomed by
two of the Virgers, Nick and Dickon, who led us through
a remarkably chaotic Nave (full of remarkable activities
celebrating the Mothers’ Union Day of Prayer for Africa)
into the calm environs of our wood panelled rehearsal
space. After an hour of rehearsal, we dispersed to
investigate the City, and find luncheon (and the Lay
Clerks their obligatory liquid sustenance). We returned,
robed and rehearsed in the glorious acoustics of the
Cathedral itself.
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Our programme was
a display of all things North American (when we sing as a
Visiting Choir, we like to take unusual things, rather than
things that the congregation will have heard their “house”
choir sing already) – Jack Ossewaarde’s ‘Draw us in the
Spirit’s tether’ (with shades of Vaughan Williams), Craig
Phillips’ accompanied Responses for St George’s Church,
Roswell, New Mexico, the Psalm to a chant by Bruce Neswick,
the Canticles to a setting for St Peter’s Church, Amarillo,
Texas, by David Ashley White, and the spine-tingling anthem
‘O nata lux’ by Morten Lauridsen.
After a short break we assembled for the service, and were
welcomed by the Canon Pastor, The Reverend Canon Celia
Thomson, who contributed some excellent, carefully prepared,
and wonderfully paced Intercessions during the service.
If it were ever in doubt, we knew that we had Mr David
Bednall as our accompanist as soon as the voluntary hit –
Howells’ Psalm-Prelude set two, number three – Sing unto the
Lord a new song (how appropriate!). We were thus propelled
back into the real world. After the service Canon Thomson
kindly invited us back, and we quickly arranged another
visit to sing a prestigious Sunday Choral Evensong ‘slot’ –
14 October 2012. We offer thanks to Canon Thomson, the
Virgers, and all in the Music & Liturgy department for
making our visit such a success.
If you missed it – there is a chance to hear the Girls and
Men sing the same programme, this time at
St Paul’s
Cathedral in London – Monday 5 September at 5:00pm. |
