On Sunday 29 January, we gave the main Cathedral organ its final blast off before commencing with our organ project. At morning Eucharist, the Boy Choristers performed Vierne’s grandiose Messe Solennelle.  

At Evensong on Monday 30 January the Boy Choristers performed Daniel Purcell’s (younger brother of Henry) beautiful Evening Service in E minor. Thank you to Joe W for his solo singing.

On Thursday 02 February we celebrated the feast of Candlemas commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. At this service, the Boy Choristers performed Eccard’s achingly beautiful When to the temple Mary went and Holst’s expressive and varied Latin setting of the Nunc Dimittis (the latter in the glorious acoustic of the Retroquire). Congratulations to Henry B for his solo in the Holst.

After a restful half-term, on Monday 20 February we welcomed members of St Michael’s Church, Bassett, Southampton to observe rehearsal and Evensong sung by our Boy Choristers and Lay Clerks. The music was Ireland Evening Service in F and Tallis O nata lux. Our visitors commented on how expressive and beautiful the choir's singing was, particularly during Psalm 104.

On Tuesday 21 February, the Boy Choristers took part in the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake races, outside the Cathedral. It was a typically joyous occasion, with our Boy Choristers (in their cassocks) absolutely thrashing the competition – including members of the local army regiment! You can watch an Instagram reel of it here.

On Wednesday 22 February we celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. At the evening Eucharist, the Boy Choristers performed Byrd’s passionate Mass for five voices, alongside Allegri’s intense setting of Miserere mei, Deus. Praise and a big round of applause to Joe W and Nathaniel B for their solo singing in the Allegri – Nathaniel’s high notes filling the entire Cathedral!

And finally, congratulations to both Henry F for attaining a music scholarship to Sherborne School (bassoon and piano), and Dominic K-S for attaining a music scholarship to Charterhouse School (oboe and piano). It’s always sad to think about Choristers leaving us, but wonderful to see the boys flourishing!

Caro Ferguson
choirs@winchester-cathedral.org.uk