Joining the Choir

Recitals and Concerts

The Snetzler Organ

MUSIC AT ST LAURENCE’S, LUDLOW:

 

‘Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence’

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)

 

Ever since its origins in the late 12th Century, St Laurence’s has been at the heart of the Community of Ludlow, providing worship and pastoral care for all.

A magnificent sacred space such as St Laurence’s deserves our finest music to enhance the liturgies that take place.  When the Palmers Guild helped to establish a musical tradition in the 15th Century, they brought in professional singers, set up a small choir school and appointed the first Organist/Director of Music in 1492.

THE CHOIR:

The English Choral tradition has always been at the centre of our music making in St Laurence’s.  Apart from a relatively short break from 1646, at the end of the English Civil War, there has been choral singing in services for about 800 years.

The Choir of today sings two choral services each Sunday.  The Eucharist is the principal service each week, and takes place in the Nave, with the Choir usually singing from the Choir stalls. This service includes fine settings of psalms, hymns, the Eucharist itself and suitable anthems, all ranging from the Renaissance up to the present day. On the first Sunday of the month there is a full Choral setting of the eucharist, with settings by such composers as Byrd, Haydn, Mozart and Howells.

Choral Matins and Choral Evensong alternate on Sundays across the month, offering the opportunity to sing these glorious services regularly and with high quality and challenging settings. While the Eucharist is sung by a full choir of children and adults, Matins and Evensong are sung by the adults only.

It is increasingly difficult to find churches where this fine tradition is maintained, and St Laurence’s is proud to one of them. To add to the experience of singing and listening to Matins and Evensong, they take place in the fabulous Medieval Chancel of St Laurence’s, surrounded by historic and unique stained glass and carved misericords. In his book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’ Simon Jenkins writes ‘Ludlow’s climax is formed by the three great chambers of the Chancel… the contents are of the highest quality’. This offers an experience to be savoured.

Although these are ancient services, there is much in them that speaks to a modern world.

Apart from the regular weekly services, there are a number of ‘special’ services across the year.  Many are linked to Feasts and Seasons of the Church year – All Souls, Advent Sunday, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, while others highlight the role St Laurence’s enjoys in the Civic life of Ludlow – Remembrance Sunday, Mayor’s Services and special services for significant anniversaries.

It all contributes to a busy schedule for a choir that is committed, capable and keen to serve to the very best of their ability.