Off to Wells

The Saint Nicholas Choir and Schola Cantorum are off to the United Kingdom for a weeklong residency at Wells Cathedral. The choir will rehearse and sing Evensong every day—minus a rest day next Thursday—as well as the morning Eucharist on Sunday, July 17.

A full list of repertoire and services, plus a list of summer organ concerts at the cathedral, can be perused in the July Services and Music List.

After arriving on Saturday, the choir members will mix their work week with a number of day-excursions to cultural sights in the southwest of England. These locations include Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Wells Cathedral itself, Bath and the Roman Baths, Berkeley Castle, Bristol, and Glastonbury Abbey. This will be a jam-packed week of singing and cultural activity.

The residency really is a marvelous experience for all, but especially for the youth choristers. Working in a cathedral is such a rewarding and memorable experience. Suddenly, the hours of drilling and practice transform into a beautiful sacred activity, into prayer imbued with a sense of history, tradition, and continuity. It’s such a powerful combination of elements, and I’m thrilled our youths get to have the experience.

Please remember to say some prayers for us as we travel and sing each day. Our thanks go out to everyone who sponsored this residency. We are grateful for your support and goodwill!

—Justin Appel, Director of Music