Evensong
Evensong
On Monday 3 February, we had the incredible privilege of performing at the Evensong Service at St Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the Feast of St Paul. Our own Paulina Voices were joined by singers from St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Juniors, with Almond and Michelle (VII) providing a beautiful prelude on the organ before the service - an unforgettable experience for all involved.The combined choirs performed Walmisley’s much-loved Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis in D minor, which featured stunning moments of unison as well as striking call-and-response passages between the upper and lower voices. A highlight for both the choir and congregation was Parry’s I Was Glad – a truly majestic anthem that captured the grandeur of the cathedral. The piece took full advantage of the acoustics, particularly in a powerful section where the choirs divided into eight parts, doubling the traditional four-part harmony and creating a fully immersive sound.
Another integral part of the service was the Pegler Colet Day responses, a staple of Evensong. This year, for the first time, they were enriched by the addition of the lower voice parts from St Paul’s School. The service was conducted by Miss Pegler (SPGS) and Mr Wilderspin (SPS), whose energy and expertise brought the choirs together seamlessly – a remarkable achievement given the large number of singers from different schools.
The service was well attended, with the MIV, new VII students, parents, teachers, and alumni amongst the congregation. As a member of the VIII, this was my final Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, and I could not have asked for a more fitting and memorable experience. The evening was a true celebration of collaboration and musical excellence, honouring the eponymous apostle himself, St Paul, in the most uplifting way possible.
Sophie (VIII)
