Choral Evensong
St Mary's Church, Thornbury
Evensong is described by The Guardian as ‘one of England's richest heritages – a living musical tradition that costs nothing to experience live’. Every month, we hold a service of Choral Evensong so you can appreciate this wonderful and evocative institution in the ancient surroundings of St Mary’s, Thornbury.
The service has been sung regularly since the 16th Century and is based on the daily offices held in the medieval church. Music – and the choir – is at its heart, and each service taps into the rich vein of English church music composed throughout the centuries.
Because of its ancient lineage, the old forms of the prayers and bible readings are used. After the introduction to the service, the choir recites the appointed Psalm which you can follow in the Prayer Book. The Lesson from the Old Testament is read and then the Choir sing the Magnificat, the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The New Testament Lesson is followed by the Choir singing the Nunc Dimittis, the song of Simeon. We then say together the Apostles’ Creed, and prayers are sung by a Cantor and the Choir which end with a reflective period where the Collects are read. An anthem is sung and a final hymn concludes the service, leaving you to sit for as long as you want and reflect on the day gone by.
If you get a chance, do come along and be steeped in history!
