Category: music

Make a Joyful Noise – Andrew Lloyd Webber (b.1948)

November 14, 2023

Sometimes described as a “Marmite” composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber is famous as a composer of songs for musical theatre, beginning with “Joseph” in 1968, and still going strong with “Cinderella” in 2021. Not an obvious choice to compose a new choral anthem for the coronation of King Charles III … More Make a Joyful Noise – Andrew Lloyd Webber (b.1948)

Like a Rainbow Shining – Will Todd (1970-present)

October 24, 2023

I was first introduced to the work of Will Todd in the summer of 2019 when the Manchester Chorale began rehearsing his “Mass in Blue”. It’s an incredible suite of sacred jazz music, which was performed by the Chorale in St Margaret’s on Saturday 14 March 2020. The church was packed, and everyone – audience, band and singers alike – thoroughly enjoyed the music. Little did we know it would be 24 weeks and 4 days until anyone would sing in our church again … More Like a Rainbow Shining – Will Todd (1970-present)

The Mountains Shall Bring Peace – Joanna Forbes l’Estrange (b.1971)

October 10, 2023

Earlier this year the Royal School of Church Music launched “Sing for the King”, an open invitation to all choirs throughout the UK to join in song to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Joanna Forbes l’Estrange, arguably the RSCM’s best-selling successful composer, was commissioned to compose the anthem for this project: “The Mountains Shall Bring Peace” … More The Mountains Shall Bring Peace – Joanna Forbes l’Estrange (b.1971)

He Ain’t Heavy

August 22, 2023

On Monday 19 July we heard the story of Albert and Albrecht Duerer, which was followed by a reading from the Gospel of John, in which Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us, and that greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends; and we are Jesus’ friends if we do as He commands. One of the comments in response to this was, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” … More He Ain’t Heavy