They’re back! Last Saturday the Church and the Parish House were filled with the joyful sounds of children singing, laughing, and learning. Our boy choristers, having returned from summer break, rehearsed in the church with the Gentlemen of the Choir while our Noble Singers enjoyed a Choir Camp for new and returning singers for our 9am mass in the Parish House and Church spaces. The Noble singers had a great time building and playing a small organ before learning more about our Miller-Scott Organ!
In the afternoon, at Evensong, we welcomed the faculty in academic robes, admitted new Head Choristers, and installed a chorister with a new ceremony in which the Head and Deputy-Head Choristers placed the new chorister in his stall!
We also had a moving commemoration of 9/11 at the memorial. Certainly, a number of themes came together last Sunday and I talked to the choristers at 4pm about how their singing of the psalms, in particular, would help them connect with the world, and with tradition, as they sang these ancient songs that cover every emotion, rite of passage, and eventuality.
I continue to receive many messages from people who have been deeply moved by the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Currently, we have around 100 diplomats and their staff, and UN workers coming to the service. Thank you to those who pre-registered – currently around 400. There should be plenty of room for all to attend.
Finally, what a joy it will be to welcome back Ben Sheen on Thursday, when he comes to play his first organ concert since moving on to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford; if you have not bought your tickets yet, please do! And pick up the beautiful concerts brochure – we have not one but THREE world premieres this season. Dr. Filsell continues to inspire, surprise, and delight us.
Affectionately,
Your Priest and Pastor,
Carl
