On Wednesday October 7th we are launching
our new series of Choral Evensong at 6.30pm,
which will be held weekly in term time.
We shall be exploring the glories of the
Anglican musical tradition, within a setting
of quiet reflection at the end of the day,
to which all are welcome.
Evensong is descended from the traditions
and practices of the medieval monastic
offices of the Roman church.
In 1549, these were consolidated and
incorporated into the first Book of
Common Prayer, which was published
as part of the English Reformation.
Much of the contents of the book was produced by the scholar Thomas Cramner,
who was Archbishop of Canterbury during Henry VIII’s reign.
He researched, translated and simplified old prayers for use in Anglican services.
Evensong has inspired compositions from some of the finest composers of
choral music in history, from English Renaissance master Thomas Tallis
to late Romantic Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford.