These are short talks that form part of Choral Evensong on Wednesday evenings with the professional Choir of Holy Sepulchre. Do come along and stay for a drink afterwards!

January 29th – Ruth Haines, Head of Opera Press, Royal Opera House
'The Song was Raised in Praise to the Lord.' Why does God Love Music So Much?

February 26th – Ewan King, Minister, Heath St. Baptist Church
Hesitations: Changing One’s Mind About Church Music

March 26th – Revd. Philip Dawson (Curate, St. Giles-in-the-Fields) and Henry Lamprecht (The Community Communications Partnership)
Portraying Christ in music : Fully Human and Fully Divine

April 30th – Revd. Canon Dr. Victoria Johnson, Dan of Chapel, St. John’s College, Cambridge
The Music of the Spheres: Music, Science and the Singing Universe

A candlelit evening of music and readings for Holy Week, with the professional Choir of Holy Sepulchre.

Since the beginning of the Church, music has profoundly shaped the patterns of Christian worship. As a powerful form capable of moving hearts and directing desires, Christians have often grappled with how to integrate this complex and yet deeply essential form of praise. What is the right balance between emotivity of musical expression and the rationality of the spoken word? Should the music of the church reflect cultural trends or have its own unique form and style? So often, these questions come into being in the working relationship of ministers who lead liturgy and the musicians who support them. While there is real potential for partnership between these roles, musicians and clergy are often focused on the criteria unique to their disciplines. This opens up the question: what is the right way to reconcile these equally important and yet sometimes contrasting motivations? This conference offers a possible pathway by outlining a historically and theologically rich vision of music and spirituality, rooted in both prayer and practice. Sessions will address the crucial role of musical theology in Christian worship, the importance of prayer as a foundation, and how these aspects might help guide the healthy mission of clergy and musicians. The day will include talks, space for discussion and connection with others, times of prayer, and, of course, transformative musical worship. Whether clergy, musician, or simply a layperson passionate about the role of liturgical music in your parish, we hope you will join us in discovering new ways of glorifying God in our parishes and Christian communities through music.

For more information, visit hsl.church/upcoming-events/musicalmission

We have a guest conductor for our St. Cecilia service on 19th November, David Hill MBE. David is one of the nations foremost choral and orchestral conductors. He is currently Musical Director of the Bach Choir and the Leeds Philharmonic Society, Principle Conductor of the Yale Schola Cantorum and Associate Guest Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Former positions include Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral and St. John's College, Cambridge.

Come and Sing (Music TBC) or simply come and enjoy the service. Drinks will be served afterwards

Singing places will be limited to ensure a balance of parts. There is a £3 charge for singing places to cover the hire cost of the music.

A reasonable level of sight reading is required.

Music will be given out on the day although a scanned version will be sent out 3 weeks in advance. Singers should arrive at 4.15pm to collect their music in time for a 4.30pm rehearsal. Casual dress.

Congregation members should arrive at 5pm for a 5.15pm service.

If you have any questions, you can contact our Director of Music Peter Asprey at [email protected]

To sign up, click the link