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Welcome
ay, traditionally the month of Mary, this year also marks the culmination of
Eastertide: over the coming weeks we will celebrate both our Risen Lord’s
Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. These beautiful services
will be followed by our Trinity Sunday Eucharist – our Feast of Title – and then
on the last day of the month, Corpus Christi, when we give thanks for the Body and Blood of
Christ. Corpus Christi is a reminder to Christians that Christ died on the Cross for us and that
through his sacrifice, made once and for all, we are given life. All these services offer the
chance to listen to sublime music, some of which we only hear once a year.
We have much to be thankful for here at Bristol Cathedral and each Trinity Sunday we hold a
special lunch to thank our many volunteers, whose commitment and hard work is inspirational.
We choose to celebrate their contribution to Cathedral life on this occasion because in 1542
the Cathedral was dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity, so we join our thanks and
appreciation with the worship and praise of all those who have gone before us in this place.
Quite apart from the services during May there’s lots to look forward to and on the evening of
the Royal Wedding (Saturday 19 May!) the choir will perform a concert in the Cathedral. We
will hear a mixture of music from the wedding itself and other well-known choral pieces –
what better way to end a celebratory day! (See the Cathedral website for information about
buying tickets.)
Many people are unaware that Choral Evensong happens six days of the week and that all are
welcome. On weekdays the service starts at 5.15pm and ends by 6.00pm. On Saturdays and
Sundays it starts at 3.30 pm. Evensong is often described as a brief oasis of peace, offering time
for reflection and the chance for those leading busy lives to catch their breath and pause for
thought.
Do take a moment or two to check the music and services on offer this month – I hope you
will agree that there are many treats in store.
The Revd Canon Nicola Stanley Canon Precentor
Dean of Bristol The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle
Canon Precentor The Revd Canon Nicola Stanley
Master of the Choristers and Organist Mark Lee For more information, please contact the Music Administrator
Tim Popple [email protected]
0117 926 4879
M
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About the Cathedral
The original foundation on this
site was an abbey established in
1148 by Robert Fitzhardinge of
Berkeley Castle. It was built just
outside the original walls of Bristol
on high ground overlooking the
river. The new monastery was
dedicated to St Augustine.
Initially all the abbey buildings
were in Norman style
(characterized by massive pillars
and round arches) but between
the 13th and early 16th centuries
a sequence of rebuilding projects
transformed the church into a
Gothic one, showing the
successive developments of
Gothic style.
The last section due to be rebuilt
was the nave. However, just after
the old nave had been
demolished, and before much
progress had been made with the
rebuilding, Henry VIII dissolved the
country’s monasteries and
confiscated their assets. The new nave was therefore never built, and the work that had
already been done was dismantled to provide stone for other projects in the area.
On 9 December 1539 the last Abbot of Bristol handed over the abbey to the King’s
Commissioners. Unlike many other cities, it was not originally intended that there should be a
diocese of Bristol, and so its abbey was not due to become a cathedral. However, when it was
discovered that St Peter’s Abbey in the nearby rival port of Gloucester was to be made a
cathedral, Bristol’s citizens petitioned for equal treatment and in 1542 the disused abbey
church was designated the Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Bristol.
In 1877 the rebuilding of the nave was finally completed, 350 years after the original, Norman
nave, had been demolished.
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Information
Anthems
Selected translations of anthems which are not sung in English are available from page 17.
Bible Translation
The Cathedral uses the NRSV Anglicised Edition translation of the bible for all services except BCP Holy Communion on Sundays.
Reading selections are taken from the Common Worship Lectionary, with Evensong readings taken from the Pillar Lectionary.
Choir
Unless otherwise specified, all choral services are sung by the Cathedral Choir. On Mondays the boy choristers sing with the lay clerks and choral scholars. On Tuesdays the girl choristers sing with the lay clerks. Weekend services alternate between boy choristers and girl choristers.
Communion
If it is your custom to receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to receive here, whatever denomination you are.
Feast Days Key
On each day there is an indication of whether it is a day of significance. The different significances are indicated as follows:
Feria (no commemoration or otherwise) Commemoration Lesser Festival Festival PRINCIPAL FEAST
For Festivals and Principal Feasts, (and the evening service the day before) the altar colours will reflect the occasion, and Festal Responses are said or sung at the close of the evening service.
Hymns
Hymn numbers refer to the New English Hymnal (NEH), with tunes following.
Incense
On some feast days, incense is used during the service. This is indicated by the † symbol.
Photography and Recording
No photography or recording of any kind may take place during services, concerts, or rehearsals without the express permission of the Chapter.
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Psalms
The traditional BCP Coverdale translation is used at Evening Prayer and Evensong. Common Worship translation is used at all other services. Congregation sit for the psalms, standing for “Glory be to the Father…” at the end of the last psalm.
Service Length
Said morning prayer lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Said Lunchtime Eucharist lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Evensong lasts around 40 minutes; evening prayer around 20 minutes.
Eucharist on a Sunday lasts around 1hr 15.
On a Sunday, Evensong lasts around one hour, incorporating additional hymns and a sermon.
Quire Services: those unable to stay for the whole service are asked to sit in the Nave.
Joining the Cathedral Choir
If you have a child in Year 4, with a passion for music and singing, there are details of the Voice Trial Day towards the back of this booklet.
To start in September, we are seeking a Bass Lay Clerk, a Bass Choral Scholar, and an Alto Choral Scholar. More information on these vacancies and how to apply are on page 21.
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Sunday 29 April Fifth Sunday of Easter BCP: Fourth Sunday after Easter 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP, Fourth Sunday after Easter) QUIRE 10.00am CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST NAVE Preacher Canon Derek Chedzey Setting Gloucester Mass – Shephard Psalm 22.25-end Motet Christo resurgenti – Couperin Hymns Processional 427 Laudate Dominum Offertory 408 Blaenwern
Communion 276 Bread of Heaven
Post-communion 124 St Fulbert
Voluntary Offertoire sur les grands jeux (Messe pour les Paroisses) – Couperin 3.30pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Consort QUIRE Preacher Canon Nicola Stanley Responses Reading Psalm 96 Canticles Aston in F Anthem Blessed be the God and Father – S. S. Wesley Hymns 431 Hereford; 115 Noel nouvelet
Voluntary Fantasia in G – Parry
Monday 30 April Verses | Cantoris
Pandita Mary Ramabai, Translator of the Scriptures, 1922 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm First CHORAL EVENSONG of Philip and James, sung by the Cathedral Consort QUIRE Responses Reading Psalm 25 Canticles D Purcell in e Hymn 464 St James
Anthem O God, thou art my God – H Purcell
Tuesday 1 May
Philip and James, Apostles 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 1.15pm LUNCHTIME RECITAL NAVE Henry Metcalfe (organ) – Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholar, Clifton College 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Responses Tomkins Psalm 149 Canticles Murrill in E Hymn 164 Tallis’s Canon [244]
Anthem And I saw a new heaven – Bainton
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Wednesday 2 May Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, 373 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Boy Choristers QUIRE Responses Noon Psalm 14 Canticles Canterbury Service – Moore Hymn 360 Shipston
Anthem Wash me throughly – Handel
Thursday 3 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 18.28-51
Friday 4 May
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL
5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Lay Clerks QUIRE Responses Walker Psalm 23 Canticles Short Service – Batten Hymn 252 St Clement
Anthem If ye love me – Tallis
Saturday 5 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 3.30pm Evening Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL Psalms 28, 29
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Sunday 6 May Sixth Sunday of Easter BCP: Fifth Sunday after Easter 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP, Fifth Sunday after Easter) QUIRE 10.00am CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST NAVE Preacher Canon Derek Chedzey Setting Collegium Regale – Howells Psalm 98 Motet I got me flowers – Vaughan Williams Hymns Processional 346 Richmond Offertory 113 Savannah (Herrnhut)
Communion There is a redeemer Post-communion 235 Song 34 (Angel’s Song)
Voluntary Come Sing and Dance (Triptych in Honour of Herbert Howells, I) – Bednall
3.30pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Preacher Canon Nicola Stanley Responses Piccolo Psalm 45 Canticles Bairstow in D Anthem Faire is the heaven – Harris Hymns 418 Knecht; 336 Angel Voices
Voluntary Psalm Prelude (Set1, No 3) – Howells
Monday 7 May Verses | Decani
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 37.21-41
Tuesday 8 May
Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Writer, c.1417 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Responses Piccolo Psalms 42, 43 Canticles Naylor in A Hymn 222 Diva Servatrix [288]
Anthem O Lord, the maker of all thing – Joubert
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Wednesday 9 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm First CHORAL EVENSONG of Ascension Day, sung by the Boy Choristers QUIRE Responses Archer Psalm 15 Canticles Long in F Hymn 128 Gonfalon Royal
Anthem Prevent us, O Lord – Holman
Thursday 10 May ASCENSION DAY 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) QUIRE 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 8
6.00pm † CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST sung by the Cathedral Consort QUIRE Prelude Mvmts I & II from L’Ascension – Messiaen Preacher The Dean Setting Darke in E Psalm 47 Communion Mvmt IV from L’Ascension – Messiaen Hymns Processional 130 (omit*) Llanfair Offertory 134 St Magnus
Post-communion 296 St Helen
Voluntary Mvmt III from L’Ascension – Messiaen
Friday 11 May
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL
5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Lay Clerks QUIRE Responses Edwards Psalms 60, 61 Canticles Tone iv – Soriano & Palestrina Hymn 392 Alberta
Anthem Viri Galilaei – Byrd A translation is available on page 16
Saturday 12 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 3.30pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalms 66, 67
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Sunday 13 May Seventh Sunday of Easter BCP: The Sunday after Ascension 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP, The Sunday after Ascension) QUIRE 10.00am CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST NAVE Preacher Canon Martin Gainsborough Setting Mass of St Louis – Speller Psalm 1 Motet O clap your hands – Bednall Hymns Processional 443 Gopsal Offertory 352 Diademata
Communion 275 Liebster Jesu (Dassau)
Post-communion 131 Ach Gott und Herr
Voluntary Introduction et Allegro (Symphonie 6) – Vierne 3.30pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Preacher The Dean Responses Radcliffe Psalm 147.1-12 Canticles Howells in b Anthem My beloved spake – Hadley Hymns 437 Austria; 245 Ar hyd y nos
Voluntary Finlandia – Sibelius (arr Fricker)
Monday 14 May Verses | Cantoris
Matthias the Apostle 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars QUIRE Responses Cleobury Psalm 80 Canticles Second Service – Moore Hymn 165 St James [318]
Anthem O praise God in his holiness – Millington
Tuesday 15 May
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 1.15pm LUNCHTIME RECITAL NAVE Ailsa Campbell (alto) Choral Scholar, Bristol Cathedral 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Responses Piccolo Psalm 78.41-56 Canticles Dyson in F Hymn 414 Caithness
Anthem Abendlied – Rheinberger
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Wednesday 16 May Caroline Chisholm, Social Reformer, 1877 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Boy Choristers QUIRE Responses Terry Psalm 84 Canticles Harker in D Hymn 467 Wiltshire
Anthem The Lord’s my shepherd – Trad arr Archer
Thursday 17 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 89.20-50
Friday 18 May
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL
5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Lay Clerks QUIRE Responses Sanders Psalm 94 Canticles Wills in g Hymn 241 Te lucis ante terminum
Anthem Salute the last and everlasting day – Waters
Saturday 19 May Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, Restorer of Monastic Life, 988 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 3.30pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalms 100, 101
7.30pm A MUSICAL MARRIAGE – SUMMER CONCERT sung by the Cathedral Choir Nave Tickets via opus13.co.uk, 0117 923 0164
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Sunday 20 May Pentecost 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) QUIRE 10.00am CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST NAVE Preacher The Dean Setting Missa Brevis – Dove Psalm 104.26-36, 37b Motet Loquebantur variis linguis – Tallis Hymns Processional 142 Regent Square [265] Offertory 137 Down Ampney
Communion 141 Salisbury
Post-communion 433 (omit*) Hanover
Voluntary Improvisation on ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ – Cook 3.30pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Consort QUIRE Preacher Canon Martin Gainsborough Responses Reading Psalm 139.1-11 Canticles Brewer in D Anthem The Spirit of the Lord – Elgar Hymns 140 All for Jesus; 452 Carlisle
Voluntary Spirit (from Canticle of the Rose) – Ridout
Monday 21 May Verses | Decani
Helena, Protector of the Holy Places, 330 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Consort QUIRE Responses Reading Psalm 106.28-end Canticles Stanford in G Hymn 475 Darwall’s 148th
Anthem Listen sweet dove – Ives
Tuesday 22 May
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 1.15pm LUNCHTIME RECITAL NAVE
Alexander Learmonth (bass) and Mark Lee (piano) A Celebration of the Life of Dmitri Hovorostovsky
5.15pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Responses Piccolo Psalm 109 (omit 5-19) Canticles First Service – Weelkes Hymn 463 Newington
Anthem Pater noster – Handl A translation is available on page 16
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Wednesday 23 May Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 115
Thursday 24 May John and Charles Wesley, Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 119.17-32
Friday 25 May
The Venerable Bede, Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, 735 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL
5.15pm First CHORAL EVENSONG of Augustine, sung by the Lay Clerks QUIRE Responses Millington Psalm 119.89-104 Canticles Evening Service for three voices – Edwards Anthem Prayer – Wilby Hymn Sing praise to Christ the Saviour Crüger
Saturday 26 May Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL
3.30pm First CHORAL EVENSONG of Trinity Sunday, attended by GWAAC QUIRE Preacher The Dean SPECIAL ORDER OF SERVICE Responses Radcliffe Psalm 97 Canticles Purcell in g Anthem Salvator mundi – Blow A translation is available on page 16 Hymns 368 Cwm Rhondda; Be still for the presence; 343 Redhead No. 46
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Sunday 27 May Trinity Sunday 7.40am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) QUIRE 10.00am CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST NAVE Preacher Canon Nicola Stanley SPECIAL ORDER OF SERVICE Setting Mass in E flat Op 109 (Cantus Missae) – Rheinberger Psalm 29 Motet Hymn of the Cherubim – Rachmaninov Hymns Processional 484 Aurelia [167] Offertory I, the Lord the sea and sky
Communion 305 Anima Christi
Post-communion 146 Nicaea
Voluntary Fantasia and Fugue in g (BWV 542) – J. S. Bach 3.30pm † CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Preacher Revd Sarah Evans, Minor Canon Responses Radcliffe Psalm 104.1-10 Canticles Sumsion in G Anthem Hymn to the Trinity – Tchaikovsky Hymns 358 Rievaulx; 466 Moscow
Voluntary Praeludium in a – Buxtehude
Monday 28 May
Jordan, Missionary, Companion to St. Augustine 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalms 137 (omit 7-9), 138
Tuesday 29 May
Feria 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalm 143
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Wednesday 30 May Josephine Butler, Social Reformer, 1906 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalms 147, 148
Thursday 31 May Choir in Residence Today
CORPUS CHRISTI The Fitzhardinge Consort 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL Psalms 23, 42, 43
6.00pm † CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST QUIRE Preacher Canon Nicola Stanley Setting Missa Papae Marcelli – Palestrina Psalm 116.10-end Motet O sacrum convivium – Messiaen Hymns Processional 271 Hyfrydol Offertory 307 Divine mysteries
Communion 268 (vv 5&6) Pange lingua
Post-communion 296 Bryn Calfaria
Friday 1 June
The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth 8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist SEAFARERS’ CHAPEL 5.15pm Evening Prayer QUIRE Psalms 122, 127, 128
Saturday 2 June Choir in Residence Today Feria St Peter’s, Winchcombe
8.30am Morning Prayer BERKELEY CHAPEL 12.30pm Eucharist ELDER LADY CHAPEL
3.30pm CHORAL EVENSONG QUIRE Responses Sanders Psalm 9 Canticles Murrill in E Hymn 360 Shipston
Anthem Evening Hymn – Balfour Gardiner A translation is available on page 17
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Translations of Anthems not in the English Language
Friday 11 May
Viri Galilaei William Byrd c.1539–1623
Viri Galilaei, quid admiramini Men of Galilee, why do you stand aspicientes in caelum? Alleluia! looking up towards heaven? Alleluia. Quemadmodum vidistis eum He will come in the same way ascendentem in caelum, ita veniet. Alleluia! as you saw him go into heaven. Alleluia!
Omnes gentes plaudite manibus: Clap your hands, all you peoples: jubilate Deo in voce exsultationis. O sing to God with shouts of joy.
Gloria Patri et Filio Glory be to the Father and to the Son et Spiritui Sancto, and to the Holy Spirit; sicut erat in prinicipo et nunc et semper as it was in the beginning is now et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. and shall be for ever. Amen.
Acts 1.11, Psalm 47.1
Tuesday 15 May
Title Abendlied – Rheinberger Josef Rheinberger 1839-1901
Bleib’ bei uns, denn es will Abend werden; Stay with us, because it is almost evening; und der Tag hat sich geneiget. and the day is nearly over.
Luke 24:.29
Tuesday 22 May
Pater noster Jacob Handl 1550-91
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, Our Father, which art in heaven sanctificetur nomen tuum; hallowed be thy name. adveniat regnum tuum; fiat voluntas tua sicut Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, in caelo, et in terra. in earth as it is in heaven. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: Give us this day our daily bread. et dimitte nobis debita nostra, and forgive us our trespasses against us. sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris; as we forgive them that trespass et ne nos inducas in tentationem; And lead us not into temptation; sed libera nos a malo. Amen. but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Matthew 6.9-13
Saturday 26 May
Salvator mundi John Blow 1649-1708
Salvator mundi, salva nos, qui per crucem Saviour of the world, save us, who by the cross et sanguinem redemisti nos: and the blood have redeemed us: auxiliare nobis te deprecamur, Deus noster. help us, we beseech you, our God.
Antiphon at Good Friday Liturgy
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Saturday 2 June– Balfour Gardiner
Evening Hymn Henry Balfour Gardiner 1877-1950
Te lucis ante terminum Before the ending of the day, rerum Creator poscimus Creator of the world, we pray, ut pro tua clementia that with thy wonted favour thou sis praesul et custodia. wouldst be our guard and keeper now.
Procul recedant somnia From all ill dreams defend our eyes, et noctium phantasmata; from nightly fears and fantasies; hostemque nostrum comprime tread under foot our ghostly foe, ne polluantur corpora. that no pollution we may know.
Praesta, Pater piissime, O Father, that we ask be done, Patrique compar unice through Jesus Christ thine only Son, cum Spiritu Paraclito who, with the Holy Ghost and thee, regnans per omne saeculum. Amen. doth live and reign eternally. Amen.
Latin, translated by John Mason Neale 1818-66
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Bristol Cathedral Choir
Chorister Voice Trials
Applications for Chorister Voice Trials in Bristol Cathedral Choir
are now invited from children in Year 4
The Voice Trial involves
♫ a single prepared song (secular or sacred) that shows off their voice (range, etc), with
sheet music provided, to be accompanied on the piano by the Master of the
Choristers;
♫ a series of simple ear tests including
o Clapping back rhythms
o Singing back simple melodies
o Distinguishing between two notes played simultaneously;
♫ reading a biblical passage in English;
♫ a brief opportunity to discuss further details with the Master of the Choristers;
♫ an opportunity to discuss administrative details with the Music Administrator.
Being a chorister offers unique opportunities to
♫ receive a musical education second to none;
♫ learn the skill of team work – working with adults as equals;
♫ enjoy excellent education at Bristol Cathedral Choir School;
♫ take part in an unbroken musical tradition dating back to the 12th century.
We are looking for children who
♫ show potential rather than polished performance at the outset;
♫ have enthusiasm and want to succeed;
♫ have the strength of character to take on commitment;
♫ are able to work as part of a team;
♫ have a supportive family.
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The Choir is comprised of approximately 24 choristers together with the adult singers (Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars).
The Choristers enjoy a busy and challenging timetable, and highlights have included:
recording a brand new choir CD, 2017 broadcasting LIVE on BBC One, Christmas Day 2016 a tour to Bordeaux, 2016 a tour to Poland, 2014 a tour to Italy, 2012 singing at the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy in St Paul’s Cathedral, 2012 broadcasting regularly on BBC Radio 3
What do the choristers say about singing in the choir?
‘Everyone is really, really friendly.’ ~ Poppy, Yr 6
‘Making friends, feeling part of a group, and tour!’ ~ Caitl in, Yr 10
‘It’s really helped improve my singing range and confidence.’ ~ Amelia, Yr 7
‘The music is beautiful.’ ~ Marc, Yr 9
‘It's an opportunity of a lifetime, and benefits you in the future.’ ~ Lana, Yr 9
‘Meeting up with your friends and having fun s inging.’ ~ Gethin, Yr 4
‘The friends you make, and all the different music we sing.’ ~ Maddy, Yr 5
‘Choir is fun.’ ~ Felix, Yr 8
‘The combination of friendship and music.’ ~ Sam, Yr 6
For more information, or to receive an application form,
please contact the Music Administrator, Tim Popple [email protected]
0117 946 8173
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Bass Lay Clerk Vacancy
From September 2018, a vacancy will arise in the Cathedral Choir for the position of Bass Lay Clerk.
There have been Lay Clerks singing at Bristol Cathedral since its foundation in 1542. Indeed, the names of the first six Lay Clerks are known. The Lay Clerks (two altos, two tenors, two basses) sing six services a week, as well as special services, recitals, concerts, broadcasts, and biennial international tours.
The deadline for applications is Friday 1 June, 2018.
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Choral Scholarship Vacancies
From September 2018 a vacancy will arise for a Bass Choral Scholar and an Alto Choral Scholar. The alto Choral Scholarship is open to anyone, regardless of gender. They will be expected to sing one weekday service (currently Monday) and at the weekend. They will be of a very high standard, both vocally and in terms of reading, but will not be expected to sing without the support of the professional Lay Clerks. There may be opportunities to deputise for absent Lay Clerks for extra remuneration, but this will only be with the agreement of the Master of the Choristers who will assess their proficiency for such an undertaking.
Choir terms are:
Michaelmas: The first weekend after the beginning of the Bristol Cathedral School term in September until Christmas Day
Lent: The weekend of Epiphany until Easter Day Trinity: The beginning of the choir term until the Sunday after the end of the Bristol
Cathedral Choir School term.
The Choral Scholarships can be held in conjunction with a degree course at either Bristol University or UWE, though this is not an essential requirement. It would be our hope that an undergraduate Choral Scholar would be in post for three years, though the Scholarship would be reviewed annually.
For more information about these vacancies, visit bristol-cathedral.co.uk/about-us/vacancies.
Alternatively, email the Music Administrator [email protected].
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Cathedral Consort
The Cathedral Consort was launched in 2009. It is a choir which not only enhances the
worship of the Cathedral, but also provides an opportunity for young people to develop their
singing skills to a professional standard. They also enjoy the social side of being part of such a
close knit team.
The Consort is open to membership from across the city from 11 to 19. It rehearses weekly
and usually sings Choral Evensong twice a month. It also collaborates with other choirs in the
Cathedral, such as Bristol Cathedral Concert Choir, to perform concerts of large scale works
with orchestral accompaniment. The experience offered is particularly valuable to those who
wish to apply for choral scholarships at universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
The girls of the Consort have been an important part of the Cathedral’s musical life since 1993.
In May 2002, as part of Bristol Cathedral Festival, they sang with the internationally renowned
soprano Emma Kirkby, at which time she agreed to become Patron of the Choir. The
Cathedral Consort has toured most recently to Toulouse, performing in St Sernin, the Temple
Du Salin, and previously have been on tour to Belgium included performances at Brussels and
Antwerp Cathedrals, Ireland including performances at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, and St.
Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
If you are interested in joining the Cathedral Consort, please contact:
Paul Walton Director of the Cathedral Consort
Bristol Cathedral College Green Bristol BS1 5TJ
0117 926 4879
23 bristol-cathedral.co.uk
Bristol Cathedral Choir
There has probably been a choir singing in Bristol Cathedral since its days as an Augustinian abbey church, founded in 1140. When, in 1542, it became the cathedral church of the new
diocese of Bristol, its new statutes still provided for cathedral life in terms of worship, community and education; of the praises of God sung with perpetual jubilation, of the common table, of the masters of the choristers and of the Cathedral Grammar School. The passing of the centuries has modified but not destroyed the pattern.
The choir consists of 28 choristers (14 boys and 14 girls), all of whom are
educated at Bristol Cathedral Choir School - occupying the former Augustinian refectory, and magnificent new buildings. These are supported by incentives endowed by the Bristol Cathedral Choral Foundation. There are also probationary choristers who fulfil a part timetable and attend other schools in the city, 6 Lay Clerks, and 4 Choral Scholars. Together, with the voluntary Consort, Choral Evensong is sung 6 times a week in the Cathedral in term time.
The Choir enjoys a busy
and challenging timetable,
and highlights have included
singing at the Royal Maundy
Service in the presence of
HM The Queen and HRH
The Duke of Edinburgh,
tours to France, Italy,
Germany, Poland, and the USA (New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island). Recent events
have included singing live on BBC One on Christmas Day 2016. The Choir also broadcasts
regularly on BBC Radio 3.