Choral Music
The choir of St Mary’s is a voluntary choir, augmented by a team of 4 paid choral scholars. The choir has an extensive repertoire ranging from early Renaissance to the present day.
A typical Sunday Eucharist will usually consist of two anthems, a psalm sung to Anglican chant, hymns and a congregational mass setting. Choral Evensong is held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, and follows the Book of Common Prayer with sung canticles, responses, psalms and anthem. Recent concert repertoire has included Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s Messiah, and Howells Requiem. The choir occasionally commissions a new piece of music, including a Jazz Mass by previous choral scholar Hugo Jennings, and most recently an anthem by Ben Ponniah.
The most recent music list can be viewed here: Music list April-July 2026.
Music making at St Mary’s is diverse, enjoyable and fulfilling, and the choir always welcomes new recruits. There’s no audition, but some experience of reading music is helpful. For more information, please contact the Director of Music: [email protected].
Organ & Choral Scholarships
St Mary’s is pleased to offer an organ scholarship and four choral scholarships each academic year. These positions offer undergraduate and postgraduate students and singers the opportunity to explore new repertoire, improve their technique and broaden their musicianship.
We are now looking for choral scholars to start in September 2026: details of the scholarships can be found here. Applications and informal enquiries to the Director of Music, Katy Silverman, are warmly welcomed.
Recital Programme
There are two series of Sunday recitals, one in the winter from January to the beginning of Lent, and the other in the summer weeks, from June to the end of July. If you are interested in performing a recital or singing at St Mary’s as a choir, please make initial contact with Katy Silverman ([email protected]) who will be able to discuss possible dates and times.
Jazz at St Mary’s
Since 2022 St Mary’s has hosted a series of weekend Jazz concerts, at which up and coming jazz musicians and established performers play gigs. Further concerts are planned for this year and more details can be found here and at Jazz at St Mary’s on social media.
The Organ
A 1991 Saxon Aldred instrument of 2 manuals with 27 stops, the organ of St Mary’s is an incredibly versatile instrument. The organ was refurbished and revoiced in 2020. The specification of the organ can be found here.
Enquiries
Any enquiries, including requests for rehearsal space from professional musicians, should be addressed to the Director of Music.
