Where do the choir boys come from in Westminster Abbey?
The Abbey choir dates back to the fourteenth century. In 1380 four boys from the Abbey’s almonary grammar school – the forerunner of Westminster School – were recruited to form the basis of the Lady Chapel choir where the monks had begun to experiment with polyphony.
How do I join Westminster choir?
Admissions
- An informal brief audition with the Organist and Master of Choristers.
- An invitation to attend a choral service at the Abbey sitting close to the choir so that boys can gain a feel for what it might be like to be a chorister.
Does Westminster Abbey have a choir?
It is a tradition we are proud to inherit and maintain and Westminster Abbey Choir is now one of the most famous choral foundations in the world. Today it is made up of twenty-four boys (choristers) and twelve adult professional singers, called lay vicars.
Do you have to be religious to be a chorister?
The short answer is “No”. If you like Western classical music, there is a lot of religious repertoire, but also a great deal of non-religious material. If you like traditional and folk music, there are many cultures throughout the world which have strong, non-religious harmony singing traditions.
Is Evensong free at Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is a working church and there is never a charge to enter for worship. The services, including Evensong, which is popular with tourists, are also free to attend.
Where do Westminster Abbey choristers go to school?
Westminster Abbey Choir School is a boarding preparatory school for boys in Westminster, London and the only remaining choir school in the United Kingdom which exclusively educates choristers (i.e. only choirboys attend the school). It is located in Dean’s Yard, by Westminster Abbey.
What do you wear to an evensong?
No dress code. Evensong at Magdalen is pretty good assuming you are visiting in term time, when the choir will be there. Almost forgot – if you do attend a Christchurch Cathedral service be aware the Cathedral is still on old Oxford Time which is five minutes “behind” or west of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.
Why do choristers wear ruffs?
I’m less sure why the ruff is worn by choristers. The ruff were widely worn in the 16th century. It may have been the inspiration for the ruffled collar. Perhaps the ruff was seen as appropriate for church services because of its historic look.
What is the duty of a chorister?
The four functions are to lead and enliven the congregation’s song, to sing music that the congregation cannot, to serve as a small-group within the church for faith formation, and to sing beautiful and challenging music to glorify God and to edify the congregation.
Who is a true chorister?
One who sings in the choir is a chorister. Choristers are ministers of the gospel through songs. Choristers are the Levites of today, meant to perform sacred duties in the house of God (Numbers 3:6-12).
Who is the Westminster Choir?
Setting the standard for choral excellence since 1920, the Westminster Choir is composed of students at Westminster Choir College, a division of Rider University’s Westminster College of the Arts. The ensemble’s 2021-2022 season includes a series of concerts in New Jersey, as well as additional off-campus performances.
Where does the abbey choir perform?
In the United Kingdom the Choir presents an annual concert programme in the Abbey, appears each year at the London Festival of Baroque Music, and has performed at many leading venues and festivals including the BBC Proms. The Abbey Choir enjoys a successful recording partnership with the Hyperion label.
Who are the Choir Choristers?
The choristers are all drawn from our unique Choir School. They come from all walks of life and enjoy an outstanding education alongside an incredible range of musical opportunities.
What are some of the best Christmas albums at Westminster?
The Heart’s Reflection: Music of Daniel Elder, was described by Classics Today as “first rate” and “highly recommended.” Noël, a collection of French Christmas music and sacred works, also features Westminster alumna Jennifer Larmore, mezzo-soprano, and organist Ken Cowan.