Choir tour to London and Westminster Abbey

3 girls have written short reviews of our choir tour to London and Westminster Abbey.

Evie writes:

“The Abbey Girls’ and Lay Clerks’ recent weekend tour to Westminster Abbey was a joyful and memorable highlight for the whole choir. We sang three Evensongs and a Sung Eucharist in such an iconic and inspiring setting, and even spotted some familiar faces from our home congregation! Performing a varied programme—from Dvořák’s Mass in D to Rheinberger’s radiant Osterhymne and Monteverdi’s classic Cantate Domino—was both exciting and rewarding, and we were delighted to play our part in the Abbey’s worship. Alongside the music, we enjoyed a fascinating guided tour of the Abbey, including spaces connected to the recent Coronation, as well as time exploring a beautifully sunny London, taking in sights such as Buckingham Palace and The Natural History Museum. A particular highlight was our visit to the Houses of Parliament, where we were generously shown around by William Hobhouse, who offered a unique and insightful perspective. On behalf of the choir, I would like to thank BAMS and the Abbey’s hard-working administrative team, in addition to our dedicated chaperones for supporting us in this enriching experience. We look forward to next year!“

Sophie writes

This year’s tour was an unforgettable experience. We all had the privilege to see some of the most amazing cultural landmarks in the world such as the Houses of Parliament and the Natural History Museum. I really enjoyed seeing inside the House of Commons and finding out how about how politicians vote.

However, the most memorable part of the tour was singing in Westminster Abbey which is arguably the most important Christian building in the country and is also the burial site of the most famous musicians, scientists, poets and politicians ever to have existed. I loved seeing all the names of musicians that I recognised. It is also the place that many royal events have taken place such as weddings, funerals and of course coronations. It was a true privilege to have the opportunity to sing there and something I will always remember. Overall the tour was an incredibly fun experience for us all.

Penny writes

From 17^th – 19^th  of April I had the most amazing time in London full of singing and sightseeing !

We stayed in the Astor Hyde park hostel over night and did fun activities during the day such from the natural history museum to seeing sights worth seeing on a boat trip on the Thames. Singing in Westminster abbey was a wonderful singing opportunity and I think I can say on be half of everyone it was an fun experience and a definite highlight. On the 17th it was my birthday and I have a great one we sung in the abbey, saw graves from Henry Purcell to Charles Darwin and even stepped in to the House of Commons!

Overall, I think this was a wonderful opportunity, for everyone here in the girls choir and a great 1st choir tour for me!