This year’s Amicabilis Concordia took place on Thursday, 10th October, at Eton College. The name originates from a friendship agreement between four colleges dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary: New College, Oxford (1379), Winchester College (1382), Eton College (1440), and King’s College, Cambridge (1441). The two younger institutions, established by King Henry VI, were inspired by the earlier foundations of William of Wykeham.

William Waynflete, the inaugural Headmaster of Winchester College, was also the Provost of Eton in 1444 when he formalized this bond on 1st July of that year. Since then, this agreement has fostered camaraderie among the institutions, which continues to be celebrated annually by the two schools through a joint Choral Evensong.

The evening commenced with an impressive procession of cassocks, hinting at the power and depth of the musical experience to come. The Introit, Tavener’s Hymn to the Mother of God, was a magical piece for double choir, beautifully setting the atmosphere for the service.

Following this, the congregation was treated to Sir John Goss’s setting of Psalm 53, Dixit Insipiens, after the Preces and Responses by Smith.

Herbert Howells’ St Paul’s Service, noted for its grand scale, provided the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Originally composed for St Paul’s Cathedral, Howells described it as “the most extended in scale” of his canticles, featuring gradually building climaxes that achieve a “heightened volume of sound, and a tonal opulence commensurate with a vast church.” The choirs certainly rose to meet Howells’ vision.

The anthem for the evening was Evening Hymn by Henry Balfour Gardiner, composed in 1907 during his tenure at Winchester College. The substantial organ part was expertly realized by the magnificent instrument at Eton, while the choirs continued to deliver a powerhouse performance.

Overall, the service was a remarkable celebration of choral tradition, showcasing the rich history and enduring musical connections between these institutions.

Kamala Dhital 
Q parent