Parish Choir

Pictures exist of a fine-looking four-part choir of men and boys going back well over seventy years. The present choir (men, women and children) consists of many very loyal members whose aggregate years of membership must run into hundreds. Fundamental to the ethos of St George’s is the very high standard of music we enjoy, nurtured over 40 years by our distinguished Director of Music, Susan Howell Evans. The quality of the choir remains consistently high for a parish church. Four-part anthems form part of the 10.00am Mass every week, with a repertoire ranging from Tallis to Rutter, plainsong to Rizza. The Ordinary of the Mass is always sung, with a variety of congregational (with choir) settings. The choir is robed in distinctive green cassocks renewed through the generosity of one choir member. There are generally up to 24 members, filling the choir stalls, half of whom are children. The youngsters are prepared for the RSCM Voice for Life Awards when
it is appropriate. The choir is largely self-financed from weddings and the generosity of individuals; there is a large library of music provided by St George’s. The New English Hymnal and Celebration for Everyone hymnal are used for congregational hymns and songs.

Our talented choir contributes a great deal to the Parish Mass, but also works hard for Advent and Christmas Services, and the Easter Triduum in addition to Candlemass, Ascension and other Feasts.

Music at St George’s is enhanced three or four times a year by a home-grown orchestra to accompany modern hymns and basic settings.

New members of the choir are welcome at any time. Entrance is by demonstrating commitment to attendance at rehearsals once a week (currently Tuesday evenings 6.15pm – 7.15pm) and singing at the 10.00 Sunday Mass. Choir members also sing at weddings, funerals and special services when requested.