As we make our journey through Advent, we speak to George, a Lay Vicar who sings in the Cathedral Choir.
Read on to gain an insight to the unique challenges and the steps taken to maintain the exceptional standards expected at our special Christmas services. George shares details about the Choir's residency at Chichester Festival Theatre, offering a harmonious blend of festive performances and community outreach beyond the Cathedral's walls.
Can you share a bit about your background, in singing with our Choir and broadly in the Cathedral's life?
I came to sing at the Cathedral in 2017, having sung in churches and cathedrals for most of my life. I was drawn to Chichester by the beauty of the area, the high standard in music, and the warm community. I have not been disappointed!
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George singing in a Cathedral Carol Service in 2020.
Are there any specific challenges or unique aspects to preparing for Christmas services compared to other performances?
The Choir’s normal routine is altered to allow us to perform the demanding schedule of rehearsals and services at this time of year. We know that a large number of visitors as well as our regular worshippers expect the Christmas services to be particularly special, and that it means a lot to them. It’s especially unusual to do repeat performances, as we do at this time of year, so rehearsing and delivering to the same high standard each time is our focus.
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The Choir singing in the Advent Procession, a special service to mark the beginning of Advent. Credit: Andrew Matthews PA (2022).
Do you have a favourite piece of music to perform, during Advent and Christmas and if so, why?
The Lay Vicars often sing Vigilate by William Byrd during Advent. Even though this piece is nearly 400 years old, it’s really exciting and full of expectation. The Choir will sometimes sing Lully Lulla by Kenneth Leighton at Christmas, a beautiful telling of the story of the Christ-child.
Sheets of music arrangements the Choir will sing.
Can you talk us through the Choir's time at Chichester Festival Theatre? What does this performance look like?
The Choir becomes resident at Chichester Festival Theatre for nearly a week, with 6 concert performances. These include singing choral favourites, performing with the band of the Royal Marines, and festive close harmony arrangements.
The Choir arrives at Chichester Festival Theatre ahead of their performance.
How does performing at Chichester Festival Theatre differ from the regular pattern of services, and concerts, at the Cathedral?
The theatre is an exciting venue with an important history, and the Choir gets a glimpse of the inner workings of it. Six concerts repeated is very unusual for us, as well as performing alongside the band, and in a very different acoustic. We are enhanced by microphones at the theatre, rather than using the acoustics of the ancient Cathedral, and performing to a huge variety of audience members.
Lay Vicars preparing behind the scenes for a performance.
Why is it important for the Choir to take part in activities and concerts outside of the Cathedral?
We are proud to have a Cathedral Choir which performs to the highest standards, and these concerts allow us to showcase to audiences who may not ordinarily visit the Cathedral. Activities such as concerts and tours enhance our community spirit of working together and we reach out to people with more awareness of our amazing Cathedral and Choir.
The Lay Vicars wait in the wings of the stage as the Band of the Royal Marines perform.