The Choral Scholars; from Bristol, Worcester, Exeter, Truro, Gloucester, Wells, Hereford and Tewkesbury Abbey, are putting together a virtual service of Choral Evensong, raising money for the Cathedral Choirs' Emergency Fund. They hope this project will be the start of further regional collaboration, either digitally or physically when allowed, and wish to use this as a springboard to strengthen collaborative work. 

The service will be broadcast live, from this page, on the 28th July at 6.30pm.

Music:
Before the service -
Whitlock, Sonata in C minor, Scherzetto
Franck, Cantabile (played by Romain Bornes)
Preces and Responses - Bernard Rose ATB
Psalm - Psalm 23, (chant C Hylton-Stewart)
Canticles - Evening Service in E Major (for Lower Voices)
Voluntary - Dupré Prelude and Fugue in B Major, (Op. 7 No. 1, played by Manuel Piazza)

We are fortunate to have commissioned two pieces for this virtual Choral Evensong. Paul Mealor has written a beautiful introit, set to the text 'Lead me, Lord', while Roxanna Panufnik has arranged a truly epic setting of 'Let all the World', a much-loved and familiar hymn text. 

All music in this service has been recorded and organised by Choral Scholars - young, full-time Cathedral musicians, under the age of 25. Their principal roll is to sing the daily office of the Cathedral, as well as contribute to wider and extensive choral work throughout the year. 

The Friends of Cathedral Music, Ouseley Church Music Trust, and the Choir Schools' Association launched the Cathedral Choirs Emergency Fund to support choirs silenced during the COVID-19 national lockdown. The Cathedral Choirs Emergency Fund aims to raise £1 million and make grants to cathedral choirs in need. Both FCM and OCMT have committed to making initial contributions of £250,000 each towards the target. 

We will work together and with other charities to raise funds to provide financial assistance as the response to this crisis unfolds. Our aim is to ensure that choirs can remain together and return to their normal high standards of performance once the buildings are opened again. If you can, please consider donating to help secure the future of this vital tradition.