Wilson’s singers in Cambridge
On Thursday last week, our Chamber Choir was delighted to take up a very special invitation to a workshop held at St John’s Chapel in Cambridge. Among our hosts was Old Wilsonian Theo, who took up his Choral Scholarship at St John's in 2022.
The quality of pupils' experience in choral singing at Wilson's is largely due to the musicianship and vision of Mr Hann. Christopher Gray, the Director of Music at St John's, was impressed by the achievements of our choir, in particular the vibrancy of tone, and there was a tangible sense of new horizons for our singers.
Read on for reports penned by our Head of Choir - Mr Hann - and two fortunate Wilson’s singers!
Earlier this month, Wilson’s School Chamber Choir visited St John’s College, Cambridge. We were honoured to have received an invitation from the Director of Music for our Chamber Choir not only to visit the college, but also to work with the St John’s College Chapel Choir, who are regarded by many as one of the finest choirs in the UK. Christopher Gray, the Director of Music, is keen that school-aged children are introduced to the many musical opportunities available to them at university, one of which is becoming a choral scholar in one of the university’s various chapel choirs. This visit not only gave our students the opportunity to sing and work with one of the best choirs in the UK, but also gave them an insight into life as a choral scholar at university.
Mr Hann, Director of Choral Music at Wilson’s School
It was to be just another Chamber Choir rehearsal until Mr Hann announced that we were all invited to visit St John’s College, Cambridge; I was thrilled with this adjustment to our autumn term plans.
On arrival, the Dean of the College explained what lay ahead. We practised singing the piece we had been learning, Fauré's Requiem, whilst improving our choral skills and also witnessing the official choir rehearse for Evensong.
A tour took place around the campus and the different courts, eventually leading to a session for Barbershop & some of the gents (singers) of the college to sightread an entirely new piece of music.
As I sat there in the chapel during the Evensong service, I felt like I opened my eyes and ears to the spectacular culmination of our day, to hear the choristers’ voices from the rehearsal perform so beautifully in Evensong. I experienced the pinnacle of what choir singing had to offer.
Report written by Harjit (Y7)
The choral visit to St John's College was one of the stand-out trips during my time at Wilson's. It was truly an amazing experience and definitely one of the better perks of joining the choir.
The day started with a train journey up to Cambridge and a fast-paced 25-minute walk to the college. The first sight of the college itself is breathtaking. You can feel the age of the brick and imagine the thousands of people that have walked down those old archways perhaps rushing to a theology class in the 1700s or a mathematics lesson in the 1900s. The history can be felt with every step you take.
Afterward, we met the director of St John's choir and practised our piece for the evening, Faure's Requiem. Throughout this time, we received feedback that elevated the performance significantly, making it sound even better than it did before. The director of the choir's skill was apparent in every bit of advice and suggestion he gave.
After a brief break, those in the Barbershop (which fortunately includes me!) were able to join the famous a capella group, the so-called "Gents of St Johns" in an arrangement of the jazz piece "Sunny" which was by the musical director. I will admit that as I sang, I did feel rather anxious about doing justice to the piece, but hearing the piece come together as we worked involved some of the most invigorating singing I have done in the choir. After having the piece sung to us by the Gents themselves (a remarkable performance) along with a very well-arranged rendition of Jingle Bells came the highlight of the evening: Evensong.
Evensong is a church service originating from the 1500s which was created after Henry VIII split the Church. After watching the choristers (younger members of the chapel choir) perform, and singing our piece with them (which I might add, sounded incredible due to the contribution of the whole chapel choir) we were able to join the service.
Whilst I am not Christian, the service was still an entrancing experience, with the chapel choir powerfully conveying their messages through the use of beautifully sung readings from the Book of Common Prayer. As I was in the service, I felt immersed in the story of Christ and his message and I understood the feeling of being part of something greater than oneself.
After hightailing it back to the station in order to catch the last train out of Cambridge, we were left with some downtime to collect our thoughts and appreciate what had just happened - and how fortunate we are to have had this opportunity.
Overall, the trip was a fantastic experience, with the Evensong being a highlight with the spiritual experience something that everyone should experience. To pupil, I would strongly recommend coming along to choir or for that matter, any ensemble. It lets you broaden your horizons, and experience new things, and - who knows? - you might one day get to go on a trip just like ours!
Report written by Vihaan (Y12)
