The Choir 


John Loughborough Pearson's architectural designs for S. Alban's made special provision for the presence of a choir, and it is no surprise that the acoustics of the church make singing and musical performance at S. Alban's a joy. In particular, the high nave and wide chancel provide an impressive cathedral-like setting and acoustic for visiting choirs and recording artists as well as S. Alban's own choir, who are privileged to perform here every week.

S. Alban's is fortunate to have a committed mixed-voice choir who sing each Sunday at the 10.00 a.m. Solemn Mass, and at special holy day Masses which fall during the week. In addition to leading the hymns and plainchant Propers, the choir try to provide a choral Mass setting each week from a repertoire that, following the traditional Anglo-Catholic worship traditions of the church, includes much early music. The choir also normally sings a motet at each Mass, again drawing repertoire from S. Alban's extensive library of early music and traditional Anglo-Catholic works.

Mass settings include Haydn's Little Organ Mass, Byrd's Mass for Four Voices, Sumsion's Mass in F and Wood's Mass in the Phrygian Mode. In March 2000 our Evensong at S. Philip's Cathedral included Purcell's Evening Service in G Minor and Byrd's Ave Verum.

The annual S Alban's festival has provided a number of opportunities for choral performance, including Elgar's O Salutaris and [de Sévérac's] Tantum Ergo at Compline. In 1999, liturgical works performed included Howell's Jubilate and Brewer's Evening Service.

S. Alban's choir has made an important contribution to musical performance locally, performing liturgical music to a high standard in its true context and setting. New singers are always made welcome in the choir, and we are always interested in hearing from singers who would like to join us or learn more about our music. Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings at 9.30 a.m. prior to the 10.00 a.m. Mass.

In 2011, after a lengthy interregnum, a new priest was licensed to S Alban’s and this was quickly followed by the appointment of a permanent Director of music. Although choir numbers have fallen, new members are now joining and it is hoped to build the choir back up to strength.

If you are interested in joining the choir and experiencing the thrill of singing in this cathedral-like building and supporting the rich Anglo-Catholic liturgy each Sunday, or would like to find out more, please contact, initially, the Churchwarden:
Edward Fellows
Telephone:  (0121) 777 1120

edward.fellows@blueyonder.co.uk