On a warm Sunday afternoon on the 2nd March 30, choristers from Hamilton, Cambridge, Matamata and Tauranga met at Wesley Methodist Church, Tauranga, to sing Evensong, organised by the Waikato Branch of RSCM. What a lovely occasion to celebrate with music that has been sung for many decades throughout the Christian churches.
This was traditional Evensong music that was well received by a small congregation from Tauranga Churches who shared readings and reflections with us based on the lectionary for the day. The occasion was extra special with the organ, brilliantly played by Hilda Bester, and solos from Wendy Coster (soprano) and Nigel Drake (tenor).
Conductors Jeremy Whimster, David Brookes, Merv Hunt and Vaughan Chetwynd led the choir in renditions of a Psalm, Responses, Canticles, Anthem and Hymns. The music included: Introit – ‘Lead me Lord’ S. S. Wesley; Versicles and Responses – K. Rose; Psalm 121- Walford Davies; Canticles- Stanford in B flat; Anthem ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.’ J. S. Bach.
The music played on the 3 manual digital organ was:
Prelude: ‘Laudate Dominum’ from ‘Solemn Vespers’. W.A. Mozart.
Postlude: Prelude and Fugue in E minor. BWV 533.
Hymns: ‘Praise my Soul the King of Heaven’. ‘Glory to thee my God this night’ (Verse 4 sung as a Round by the choir.) and ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’.
The Presbyter, Rev John Carr led the service and presented a Homily. For those of us from small choirs it was an uplifting and inspiring experience to sing with choristers from larger choirs. The service was followed by afternoon tea and a time of fellowship.
Rev Doris Elphick.