The choristers had a great time on Friday night when they shared the stage in Wells Cathedral with progressive rock band, Jethro Tull. Singing to a full crowd, the choristers delivered a fantastic performance.
Sophie Sings Solo at the Albert Hall!
‘Give it a big hug, Sophie!’ That was the lovely, affirming advice Annie the Director gave me seconds before I stepped on stage. The Albert Hall was huge and packed to the rafters, not at all easy to embrace in one go, but I gave it my best squeeze nonetheless. To sing before a sea of flash bulbs and five thousand appreciative faces was a thrilling, tingling, liberating experience. I only wish it had lasted longer than three and a half minutes! But as Pie Jesu reached its rising climax, the audience burst into warm applause and I nodded and smiled in grateful receipt. Funnily enough, this was the part I had worried about most - not the performance itself, but how to acknowledge the crowd!
The whole evening proved memorable. It was a charity fundraiser for the Salvation Army. They do such good work taking care of the homeless and bringing hope to others laid low in life. Like Malaika Oringo, a Ugandan, who gave a humbling account of how she had been hoodwinked and trafficked into this country. Mary Berry added a little celebrity glam with a reading from the Bible, and we all sang a string of Christmas carols led by the Choir (known as the International Staff Songsters) directed superbly by Dorothy Nancekievill, one-time Director of Music at WCS.
I have so many happy memories of this event - from lounging in my very own dressing room to rubbing shoulders (literally) with Mary B at the final photo call. We even swopped recipes. (Joke!)
Let me take this opportunity to thank Mr Cole, Mrs Armstrong and Mr Kidd for making the occasion possible for me. You have my eternal gratitude!
Rubbing shoulders with the famous
Sophie’s very own dressing room!
Some Congratulations and Farewells
The new joint Boy Head Choristers, George and Dan
It’s been so good to welcome many new Probationers into the choir this term, including three new boys and nine new girls. They have all made a great start and are settling in to the busy life of singing every day. Two of these new arrivals, George and Sophie, have joined us from other Cathedral Choirs, and have already received their surplices.
James was installed as Head Boy Chorister, and Daniel and George as Deputies, while Meg was installed as Head Girl Chorister, supported by Deputies Carla and Sophie. Since September, we have said sad farewells to three boy choristers, whose voices had changed: firstly Ozzie, who had done sterling service in the Choir for five years; then to Head Chorister James, who had shown excellent leadership during his short time wearing the red medal; and most recently to Harry . We miss them all hugely, but it has been excellent to ‘promote’ both Daniel and George to be joint Head Choristers in James’s place. They are extremely worthy successors and are already doing a brilliant job.
The team of Head and Deputy Head Choristers at the start of term: Carla, Sophie, Meg, James, Daniel and George. Sadly James has had to leave since his voice changed. Daniel and George are his worthy successors (see above)
New recruits, George and Sophie were quickly awarded their surplices as they have joined us from other cathedral choirs.
Jeremy Cole announced as new Director of Music
The Chapter of Wells Cathedral is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeremy Cole as its new Director of Music.
Advised by experts in choral music* and selecting from an impressive and international field of prospective candidates, Jeremy displayed a passion, drive, vision, with a quality of musicianship that led to a unanimous decision to appoint him.
Jeremy joined Wells Cathedral in September 2017 as its Assistant Organist; and has led the Cathedral’s internationally renowned choir since late November 2018, becoming Acting Organist and Master of the Choristers in September 2019. He has also taken on the role of Musical Director of the Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society.
Before joining Wells Cathedral Jeremy held positions at St Paul’s Knightsbridge and St Martin-in-theFields in Trafalgar Square, where he was the principal organist, playing for all regular and special services, as well as concerts and special events, and worked as a conductor with its many vocal ensembles. . He combined this role with a busy freelance career as an organist, conductor and piano accompanist. While in London he was assistant conductor and accompanist of the Holst Singers, and worked regularly with leading choirs, and as a repetiteur for solo singers and instrumentalists.
The Dean of Wells, The Very Reverend Dr John Davies said: “Jeremy has been a huge asset to the Cathedral Choir since he was appointed. His personal style, skills and experience have begun to deliver the ‘happy excellence’ in the Choir that we are striving for here at Wells. Jeremy is a trusted colleague and a superb musician. We are all looking forward to working with him very much in his new role”.
The Head Master of Wells Cathedral School, Mr Alastair Tighe said: “I am delighted that Jeremy has been appointed. I look forward to working with him and the whole Cathedral Music Foundation to ensure the unique possibilities available to Choristers, pupils and the wider City and local community through the collaborative work of Wells Cathedral and Wells Cathedral School are enhanced as effectively as possible. Jeremy’s appointment heralds an exciting time in the development of musicmaking in Wells and in Somerset”.
Jeremy Cole said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Wells Cathedral’s new Director of Music. The Cathedral Choir has an enviable and richly deserved reputation for excellence which we will maintain and strive to enhance. I am looking forward to continuing to work with superb musicians and supportive colleagues here in Wells as we take the choir forward into the next stage of its life.”
The trustees of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust join in offering Jeremy our warmest congratulations. We have enjoyed seeing him at work over the past 12 months and know that he has gained the well-deserved respect and affection of both the choir and wider community. We look forward to watching the Music Foundation continue to flourish with Jeremy at the helm.
Jeremy will be admitted to the Foundation at the Cathedral Eucharist at 9.45am on Sunday 12 January 2020.
* The Chapter was advised by Mr Timothy Noon, Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral and by Mr Hugh Morris, Director of the Royal School of Church Music.
Grateful thanks and farewell to Dr Jenny Kingston
Outgoing chairman, Dr Jenny Kingston, with her successor, Arnold Wills
At their recent meeting, trustees took the opportunity to thank Dr Jenny Kingston for all the work she has done both as a Trustee and Chairman, as she stepped down from the role. During her tenure, Jenny initiated the Wells Angels fundraising campaign, introduced many changes which will help the Trust thrive in the future, built a strong team of Trustees, and undertook personal fundraising initiatives which included the recent successful Coast to Coast Walk.
Arnold Wills, the new Chairman of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, is a former Peterborough Cathedral Chorister and Wells Chorister Parent, and has a development role with the National Federation of Old Chorister Associations. He’s also Bath and Wells Diocesan representative for the Friends of Cathedral Music. Arnold is looking forward to working with all groups who share his passion and enthusiasm for Cathedral Music at Wells, locally and further afield. He recently retired after thirty five years in the financial planning world.
There will be an opportunity to formally thank Jenny following the Eucharist for St Andrew’s Day on Sunday 30 November at 5.15pm in the Quire of Wells Cathedral. All are welcome.
Jenny (centre) with trustees, Robert Powell and Kate Baker
new music wells 79-19
This year sees the twelfth new music wells - our festival which celebrates the past 40 years of music, as well as seeing the world premiere performances of several new works.
new music wells 79-19 is runs from Friday 11th - Thursday 17th October 2019, during which time all music performed at the Cathedral’s services, and at five special lunchtime concerts, will be selected from repertoire written over the last 40 years.
Wells Cathedral is very pleased to be welcoming back Jonathan Dove CBE as this year’s distinguished Composer-in-Residence. Jonathan was Composer-in-Residence in 2012, when the festival included the first performance of his work, The Wells Service, which will be performed on Thursday 17th October at Evensong. He will be interviewed by Paul Whitmarsh at the Composer Conversations event, at 2:30pm on Wednesday 16th October in Quilter Hall (Wells Cathedral School) and will give a public composition masterclass in Cedars Hall at 2pm on Thursday 17th October.
At Evensong on Thursday 17th October, a new work by Owain Park will receive its World Premiere performance. Other first performances during the week include two pieces written by students at Wells Cathedral School (Rocket Brooks and Thomas Nettle), as well as works by Stuart Beer and David Bevan Jr.
Admission to all services and events is free. Please see this month’s Music List for more information.
Jenny's Coast-to-Coast Challenge!
Dr Jenny Kingston, our intrepid and dynamic Chairman, has taken it upon herself to undertake Wainwright’s famous Coast-to-Coast walk in aid of the Trust. The walk is a 182-mile (293 km) hike along the famous long-distance footpath in Northern England. Devised by Alfred Wainwright, it passes through three contrasting national parks: the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park.
With only her husband Peter (and his trusty compass) for support, Jenny is hoping to complete the walk in only 12 days! Each day, you can follow Jenny’s progress as we will post updates on a dedicated page HERE as we receive them directly from Jenny (whenever she has enough signal to send them to us!).
Our Royal Patron visits to mark 25 Years of Girl Choristers at Wells
Photographs by Bill Bradshaw
www.billbradshaw.co.uk
On Tuesday 24 September, we were honoured and delighted to welcome our Royal Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, to Wells Cathedral and Cathedral School. The Countess was visiting as part of the celebrations marking 25 year of Girl Choristers in Wells Cathedral Choir.
The Countess arrived at Wells Cathedral School where she was greeted by Annie Maw, the Lord-Lieutenant. After meeting civic dignitaries, the Countess was introduced to Dr Jenny Kingston, Chairman of the Chorister Trust; the Reverend John Davies DL, Dean of Wells Cathedral and Head of Governors at the Cathedral School; and Alastair Tighe, the Head Master.
Her Royal Highness is welcomed by Dr Jenny Kingston, Chairman of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust
Mr Tighe escorted Her Royal Highness to the Cathedral School’s concert venue, Cedars Hall. Children from the Cathedral Junior School lined the path and were thrilled to meet the Countess.
Pupils from the Cathedral Junior School greet the Countess
In the foyer to Cedars Hall, Mr Tighe introduced the school’s Head Boy, Jacob, and Head Girl, Astrid, a former Head Girl Chorister. The Countess listened to a short recital given by pupils, which included current Deputy Head Girl Chorister, Sophie playing the marimba, and the Cathedral School’s Choralia Choir which includes many former choristers.
The Cathedral School’s Head Boy, Jacob, and Head Girl, Astrid (a former Head Girl Chorister) meet HRH
Chorister Sophie plays the marimba as part of the Royal Recital
The Cathedral School Choralia. Many of its members are former choristers.
Following the recital, Dr Kingston introduced the Countess to Mr Jeremy Cole, Acting Organist & Master of the Choristers; Mr David Stevens, the Assistant Sub-Organist; Mr James Gough, the temporary Assistant Organist; and Mrs Diana Armstrong, the Chorister Coordinator. Her Highness then met the current Head Boy and Head Girl Choristers, James and Meg, who escorted Her Highness to the Cathedral via the Vicars’ Close, closely followed by the other choristers.
Head Boy and Girl Choristers, James and Meg, meet the Countess
The Royal Party moves down the Vicars’ Close
The party was met at the North Door of the Cathedral by the Dean who introduced the Countess to Bishop Peter Hancock and other members of the Cathedral Chapter. Dr Kingston then introduced Her Highness to some of the Chorister Trust’s donors, supporters, and Trustees.
The Countess listened to the choristers rehearsing for Evensong and then had the opportunity to chat informally with them all.
Her Highness listens to the choristers rehearsing for Choral Evensong
The Countess chats to the choristers and Mr Cole
Whilst the choristers completed their rehearsal, the Countess met with representatives of the first cohort of Girl Choristers at Wells Cathedral, Ms Naomi Barson-Cain, Mrs Gemma Baker, and Mrs Becky Layton. Her Highness then sat down to afternoon tea with the assembled guests, including the Trust’s former chairman, Mr Iain Ball MBE and his wife, Prebendary Helen Ball OBE. Her Highness was invited, with the former choristers, to cut a celebration cake for the 25th anniversary.
Three former choristers, who were part of the first cohort of Girl Choristers at Wells, meet HRH
The guests gathered for afternoon tea
Cutting the celebratory cake
The Countess then returned to the Cathedral where she met with the Choristers, Vicars Choral and Choral Scholars who were gathered ready to sing Choral Evensong. Her Highness was then joined by HRH The Earl of Wessex and the Dean led then to their seats in Quire for the service.
Meeting the choir before Evensong
The music included Stanford’s Evening Canticles in A and Walton’s Jubilate Deo. As was to be expected, the choir sang with great gusto and it was wonderfully uplifting service attended by a large congregation.
At the end of the service, the choir processed out to form a ‘Guard of Honour’ to bid Their Royal Highnesses farewell. At the West Door, one of the youngest probationer Girl Choristers, Belinda presented Her Highness with a posy before the Dean, Dr Kingston and the Lord-Lieutenant said their farewells.
It was a wonderful occasion that brought together the musical communities of both Cathedral and Cathedral School. The service marked the work of the Chorister Trust in striving to ensure that no child is barred for financial reasons from the opportunity of being a Chorister, and of course also celebrated the amazing contribution that 25 years of Girl Choristers has made to the worshipping life of Wells Cathedral.
Photographs by Bill Bradshaw
www.billbradshaw.co.uk
A Wonderful Start to the Year
It was a delight to see such a large congregation present on Saturday to welcome back the Cathedral Choir at the first Evensong of the new choir year. The music was stirring, to say the least, with Jeremy Cole conducting the choir in performances of Herbert Howells’ St Paul’s Service and his wonderful anthem A Hymn for St Cecilia. We were also grateful to Gavin Plumley for his thought-provoking sermon.
The service gave opportunity to welcome the newest members of the Music Foundation; the ten(!) new Probationers - George, Elizabeth, Madeleine, Belinda, Oliver, Hannah, Aleksei, Sophie, Freya, and Natasha; two new Choral Scholars - Adam Fyfe (countertenor) and Horatio Carr-Jones (tenor), both of whom join David Bevan (bass) who has stayed on after joining last year; and not forgetting our new Sub-Assistant Organist, David Stevens; and the temporary Assistant Organist, James Gough. We offer them all the warmest of welcomes to Wells.
It was also a delight to congratulate the new Head and Deputy Head Choristers who all received their medals of office at the service; James and Meg, who become Head Boy Chorister and Head Girl Chorister, respectively; and Dan and George, and Carla and Sophie, who will become Deputy Head Boy and Girl Choristers.
Last but certainly not least, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to those choristers who have passed their year's probation and were admitted to the choir as full surpliced choristers - Estella, Elizabeth, Samuel, Petra, Shannon, and Ferdy. Bravo!
They're Back!
The robes have been fitted and rehearsals have begun, all in preparation for the first Evensong of the new academic year which will take place this Saturday 7 September at 5.15pm. The choir will sing Herbert Howells’s stirring St Paul’s Service, as well as his anthem in praise of music, A Hymn for St Cecilia. The preacher will be writer and broadcaster, Gavin Plumley.
During Saturday’s service, the new members of the Cathedral Music Foundation will be formally welcomed. There is a fantastic intake of ten new Boy and Girl Choristers who will all sing in their very first service as Probationers. Six Choristers will also receive their surplices, taking them from Probationer to full Chorister status.
We are also pleased to welcome David Stevens as the new Sub-Assistant Organist, James Gough as the Temporary Assistant Organist. Adam Fyfe (countertenor) and Horatio Carr-Jones (tenor) will also join the choir as Choral Scholars for this academic year.
James MacGeoch and Meg Curl are this year’s Head Boy and Head Girl Choristers respectively, with Daniel Fawden and George Thomas taking on the role of Deputy Head Boy Choristers, and Carla Coombs and Sophie Harbridge becoming Deputy Head Girl Choristers.
Do join us on Saturday if you can for what promises to be a wonderful start to an exciting year!
