Abbey choirs unite once again

On Sunday 9 October we once more enjoyed welcoming our colleagues from Sherborne Abbey Choir to sing Choral Evensong with us.

We brought George Dyson’s Evening Service in D back into our repertoire in honour of the occasion and duly raised the roof in the final bars of the Magnificat, conducted con brio by the Organist and Master of the Choristers at Sherborne Abbey, Joseph Sentance.

Robert Fielding, our own organist, brought out the more reflective character of the companion Nunc Dimittis, although he let too the combined forces – some fifty singers in total – have their heads in the more expansive passages of the anthem by Charles Wood, O thou, the central orb of righteous love.

Verses from the appointed Psalm (139 – O Lord, thou has searched me, and known me) and some of the responses from the set by Humphrey Clucas provided welcome opportunities to explore gentler dynamics. The congregation joined us in popular hymns including Ye servants of God, your master proclaim and Abide with me.

Joseph Sentance was moved – unusually, we understand – to propose a vote of thanks to Romsey choirmums who provided a very generous tea in the church rooms following the service. We look forward to paying another return visit to Sherborne at Ascensiontide next year.

Joint choir rehearsal in the Abbey