Salopian Club Epiphany Carols

A dark Sunday afternoon in January was brilliantly illuminated by an uplifting service of Epiphany carols and readings at St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London.

The annual service is a highlight of the Salopian arts calendar. Composer Richard Eteson (G 1989-93) assembled a choir of Old Salopians and friends of the Club. With just one hour of rehearsal and under the direction of conductor Patrick Craig (Ch 1982-87) they produced the most sublime performance of haunting and beautiful music.

The highlight was the world premiere of a new piece commissioned by the Salopian Club from Anthony Merryweather (I 1986-91) entitled ‘O Thou who by a Star did Guide’.  The Salopian Club aims to commission a new Carol from a Salopian each year for the service. Once the premiere has been held the piece is made available to the School’s Chapel Choir. It's hoped that this tradition will result in a wealth of new choral music created by Salopians that can be enjoyed many years into the future.

Readings chosen by Peter Fanning on the theme of the star lighting the darkness perfectly complemented the music.

Many thanks to Rev Alex Aldous (Chaplain 2016-19) who led the service at short notice and having presided over a service in Shrewsbury in the morning.

It wouldn't be a Salopian club event without drinks and convivial conversation afterwards, this time at The Paternoster in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Many thanks again to everyone who makes this unique event happen every year.