Shrewsbury choristers perform Evensong at iconic St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous icons of the London skyline, its baroque dome dominating the City and the Southbank.  

Christopher Wren’s masterpiece is famous for its music as much as its architecture, and it has hosted some of the most celebrated choral performances and recordings of recent years. Singers speak in hushed tones of its fabulous acoustics and the seven-second echo beneath the reredos. It was an extraordinary experience, therefore, for Shrewsbury’s choristers to perform evensong in St Paul’s on Monday 24 April.  

Having travelled down from Shrewsbury in the morning and fortified themselves with pizza for lunch, the choir were able to rehearse in the cathedral throughout the afternoon, gaining much attention from passing tourists.  

Arthur H-B (I, UVI) was able to practise on the magnificent Grand Organ, first installed in 1694 and rebuilt in the 1870s. As the friendly vergers informed me, the technology now used to operate the 137 drawstops and 140 controls of the two-console organ is the same as the NASA space shuttle programme and the International Space Station! 

 Under the masterful direction of Richard Stafford, our Head of Choral Music, the choir sang an exquisite programme to a packed congregation of over 600 parents, Old Salopians and visitors.  

Particular highlights included Annabel T’s (EDH, UVI) gorgeous soprano solo in the anthem, ‘Blessed be the God and Father’ by S.S. Wesley and the quartet of Eva G (G, UVI), Branton Z (R, UVI), Rose F (G, UVI) and Billy G (SH, LVI) in the Magnificat. The service was brought to a close by Arthur H-B, playing Suite Gothique by Leon Boellmann as the voluntary.  

 This was an incredible opportunity for the students, who fully appreciated the privilege of adding to the centuries-old musical tradition of this beautiful building. It was a fitting final hurrah for Annabel T and Branton Z, who have led the choir throughout this year with great commitment and musicianship. 

Dr Helen Brown 

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)