Evensong at London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral

On Monday 4 April, musicians from the RGS Chamber Choir had the exciting opportunity to perform in the iconic London landmark, St Paul’s Cathedral.

Lower Sixth student, Olivia Sireshuk, shares her highlights of the day: 

“At 8.30am, we boarded our coach at School and started our journey to London. The atmosphere on the coach was uplifting, as we played music and sang throughout the journey, enjoying each other’s company and being a part of the Choir. 

On arrival in London we ate at Wagamamas, which has become a tradition for the Choir whenever on this trip to London. The food was delicious and everyone’s enthusiasm and energy increased in anticipation of our imminent performance at St Paul’s Cathedral.

It was then just a short walk across the road at St Paul’s Cathedral. Upon arrival, we had time to rehearse in the Choir room and the Stalls, as well as time to explore the amazing building. My friends and I climbed up to the very top of the Cathedral dome; it was 528 spiralling steps to reach the top and when we did – the view was fantastic! The Cathedral was absolutely beautiful and the decorated dome was mesmerising. 

The Evensong performance started at 5.00pm, and for me, it was a performance to remember. We performed the Reading Responses and Gabriel Jackson’s plainchant-inspired setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, which sounded particularly good with the echo of the Cathedral between the phrases. 

Our anthem was Mendelssohn’s Hear My Prayer. This was a piece that we performed in our Take Flight concert a few weeks ago, but this time we sang it as a 30-piece Chamber Choir rather than with over 250 singers! Isabella Hulbert and Lucas Heyburn sang the solos excellently and the Cathedral organ accompanied us powerfully. 

Singing in such an amazing space was extraordinary and the Choir enjoyed the whole day enormously.”

Thank you to Olivia for her summary and to all of the Chamber Choir for performing so beautifully in such a prestigious venue.