Summer 2002 - Easter 2003
The boys of the Schola spent the Summer half term of 2002 recording their latest CD, Sing in Exultation, at Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire. Ampleforth was chosen as the preferred venue because of its fabulous acoustics, the fine and impressive organ, and above all, the lack of ambient noise such as traffic which is so restrictive in the capital. The only potential unwanted noise in the otherwise tranquil Yorkshire Dales comes from low flying RAF jets, but they kindly agreed not to fly within 3 miles of Ampleforth throughout our recording. The CD was released in November in time for the Christmas market and has sold very well. There are excellent solos and the strength of the choral sound throughout is admirable. The major carols are fortified by the imposing Brass Consort with timpani and cymbals. The CD is very well produced and I recommend it to you highly: if you have not yet invested in a copy, I urge you to do so when it next comes into season.
During the remainder of the Summer Term the Schola participated in another recording, Resurrexit, which at the time of writing has just been released. This CD is a recording of Mass at Westminster Cathedral for Easter Sunday. The Schola were brought in to bolster the somewhat unresponsive congregation, injecting a very welcome vigour and enthusiasm. At the Summer Concert, the Schola sang Parry’s I was glad, in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee – it was sung at her coronation. The Schola also sang on the sad occasion of Ann Boyle’s retirement Mass at Our Lady of Victories. Ann, as you will know, was School Secretary for many years, becoming part of the fabric of the Vaughan. There have been numerous eulogies elsewhere, but I should just like to add that the apparent smooth running of the Schola’s administration had very little to do with me, and had very much to do with her. Thank you Ann!
The Summer Term was rounded off by the spectacular ordination by the Cardinal of Gerard Skinner at Westminster Cathedral. Gerard is a friend of the Schola, and whilst a student in Rome helped us a great deal with our tour, in particular by recommending and arranging some very fine eating establishments. Our participation in his ordination was by way of thanks, and it was an honour to do it in conjunction with the Cathedral Choir. Those of you in Islington will know Fr Gerard as the Assistant Priest at St John the Evangelist.
In the Michaelmas Term the Schola sang Mass for the Papal Knights at Warwick Street, the School’s Foundation Day Mass at Westminster Cathedral and at Speech Day. At the Gala Concert at St John’s and at the St Cecilia Concert we sang Widor’s Mass for two choirs and two organs, with one organ part arranged for orchestra. The Christmas season was very hectic indeed, including the Choir’s annual visit to Nazareth House to sing Mass and carols for the elderly and infirm, the annual Carol Concert at St James’s, Spanish Place to raise funds for the Westminster and Ampleforth Pilgrimages to Lourdes, and the School Carol Service at Our Lady of Victories which provided the symbolic launch of our Christmas CD. In addition, the Trebles sang carols at the Dorchester Hotel during afternoon tea, and also at a special lunch at Temple Place attended by, among others, Channel 4's Jon Snow, Lord Rothschild and the Cardinal.PAST REVIEWS