On Sunday, our Bridewell Choir, made up of auditioned singers in Years 5-8, were invited to sing High Mass at Arundel Cathedral. This was the first time that a choir from Barrow Hills has sung at the Cathedral and both the service and the selected music were challenging and ambitious. The choristers arrived early to practise and were awed by the sheer scale of the Cathedral as it dominates the hillside of Arundel. As we were led up to the organ loft, preparations for the service were underway. After their short rehearsal, the children heard how big an acoustic the Cathedral has and safe to say the excitement levels went up a notch!
After months of rehearsals, preparations were complete and it was time for the choristers to shine. The music ranged from Latin chant to the expressive and rhythmical exciting ‘Gloria’ by Johnathan Dove, followed by a triumphant version of ‘Let all the World’ by Vaughan Williams and then the contrasting harmonic richness of the ‘Call of Wisdom’ by Will Todd. All of these are demanding pieces, and our choristers sung them all in the space of an hour. The children showed great maturity and focus throughout each piece and they all felt a sense of pride in their music making.
Both the Dean of Arundel and the Director of Music of Arundel Cathedral were extremely complimentary and invited us to return. This is a huge accolade to receive straight after a service.
On our return, a buffet lunch was hosted by the Music Department at King Edward’s, allowing parents, staff and children to enjoy reflecting on the experience.
“Our choristers have shown just how much our children are capable of at Barrow Hills, the level of professionalism from them when performing is a skill that many wish for and aim to acquire. I hope that everyone enjoyed the service and that this is the start of more regular occasions such as this. Exciting plans are in place for the Bridewell Choir next year. Well done to every chorister and they should look back on the day with great pride in what they have achieved.”
Mr Frazer