The service, Choral Vespers for the Feast of Candlemas, was recorded in mid-January and was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 4 pm on Wednesday 2 February.
BBC Choral Evensong has aired weekly, almost without interruption since 1926, but this is the first time in that long history that a state school choir has sung the service. Cardinal Vaughan School Chaplain, Monsignor Roger Reader was the Celebrant for the service, held at Our Lady of Victories on Kensington High Street.
The Schola sang music by Tallis, Victoria, Byrd and Palestrina, accompanied by Iestyn Evans who was playing Our Lady of Victories’ magnificent newly installed organ. Scott Price said, “it really was a privilege for the choir to sing for this broadcast and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity. I hope that the listeners will find it captures the spirit of this beautiful Feast and the reverence of the occasion comes across over the airwaves”.
The service is repeated at 3 pm on Sunday 6 February and is then available to listen to on demand on BBC Sounds for one month afterwards. Click HERE to listen.
