
4 minute read
Choir News
By Elizabeth Stratford
Choir News
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The pandemic has impacted the choir in many practical ways, but one of particular note was that we were unable to visit schools to recruit new choristers. It is therefore wonderful to be able to welcome Mollie, Madeleine, Sunny, Jude, Kiran, Herbie, Emrys and Theo as probationers. Their choral training is underway and some of them have already sung services over Easter so do look out for them when you are in the Cathedral. More school visits are planned in the coming months. We also welcome Zofia (soprano), Peter (bass) and Clive (bass) and hope they will all be very happy singing with us!
We are also seeking Choral Scholars for the next academic year – if you know someone who is over 18 and may be interested in this training role through the Cathedral, please put them in touch with Elizabeth. Choral Scholars receive a grant towards their studies and as well as learning about liturgy, sacred music, plainchant, neume reading and many other skills, also have the opportunity to perform in a solo capacity at the Cathedral. The Cathedral Choir’s recording, No Story So Divine, is now available from the Music Department or via the
choir’s online shop at https://dab-arundel-cathedral-music.sumup.link/product/no-story-so-divine-cd-1 Produced by Richard Tanner who works for the BBC alongside his main roles elsewhere, the recording features music for the Easter Triduum. There are some pieces which receive their recording debut here as well as some old favourites so there are definitely some pieces you will recognise.

Feedback has been amazing so if you haven’t obtained your copy you really should! Here are some of the things people have said:
“It’s stupendous!” -Maggie Burgess
“Thank you SO much!!! The Choir sounds terrific - the organ playing too of course! And to cap it all, that glorious acoustic! What a feast of music - there are so many lovely moments on the CD - you must be ever so proud of all your team. And a great big thank-you for including my piece - clever planning too, for that big final chord seems to lead straight in to that stonking Vierne Finale on the organ. Marvellous! All the very best Elizabeth, and MANY thanks again - you must be over the moon!” -Neil Cox, composer
“Massive congratulations to Dr Elizabeth Stratford and the Choir of Arundel Cathedral on this beautiful recording. The singing is stunning.”-Professor Christopher Liu
Do explore the online shop where all the choir’s recordings are available.

Choir Practice Preparation
The choir sang their first Easter Triduum since 2019 this year. It is hard to believe that it is 3 years since we were last able to come together and provide music for the most moving journey of the Church’s year. Many members of the choir were moved by their involvement in the services and all thoroughly enjoyed singing a wide range of repertoire including Ireland’s Greater Love during the Washing of Feet on Maundy Thursday, Allegri’s stunning “Miserere Mei Deus” on Good Friday and many more. Did you know that this piece is only available to us today because Mozart visited the Vatican at the age of 14. The Miserere was closely guarded and only performed at St Peter’s during Holy Week. It is said that Mozart heard the piece, returned to his lodgings and wrote the composition down after hearing it just once thus allowing the wider world access to this music.

The choir at an Ecumenical Service for Ukraine in Arundel Castle Chapel
Matilda said: It was really fun to be back in the Cathedral and I enjoyed celebrating Easter with my friends. It did feel harder because we had to re-learn everything we hadn’t sung for a long time.
Louie said: It was lovely to be able to sing with my friends at Easter because we haven’t been able to do it for the last few years. This was my first Easter singing tenor after singing soprano for six years. I really enjoyed singing Miserere Mei by Allegri as this is one of my favourite pieces!
Ruby said: It was amazing to sing as a big choir again in front of lots more people. I really missed not being able to do it for the last couple of years as I really enjoy singing the Easter music.
It has been wonderful to have a whole term of the Cathedral Choir singing together and we are always on the lookout for new choir members of all ages. It is not necessary to be Roman Catholic or to read music to join the choir but the ability to sing in tune and a sense of humour are essential! More information from Elizabeth on 07971 090724 or email arundelcathedralmusic@gmail.com.

