I met this piece during a Manchester Chorale rehearsal early in 2020. The words struck me as perfect to represent the temptations of Lent … More Daemon Irrepit Callidus – Gyorgy Orban (b.1947)
The text of the Magnificat, or the Canticle of Mary, is taken directly from Luke 1 46:55. The words were spoken by Mary, pregnant with Jesus, to her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with the child that would become John the Baptist … More Magnificat
Why am I writing about a Christmas Carol? Because it highlights a less palatable part of the Christmas story, which is often glossed over: the massacre of the innocents … More The Coventry Carol
This article first appeared in the February 2017 issue of our parish magazine. You can read it again here: Taken from the gospel of St Luke (2:29-32), the text of the Song of Simeon is: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, According to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, … More Song of Simeon, or Nunc Dimittis
This sermon was presented by Rev Deborah on Sunday 2 February 2020. She was ably assisted by our Sunday School … More Candlemas
Fundamentally, there are five basic elements to singing songs (which include hymns) successfully … More The Summons (HON 752) John L. Bell & Graham Maule
Cappeau (1808-1877) and Adams (1803-1856), translated Dwight (1812-1893) This article first appeared in the December 2016 issue of our parish magazine. You can read it again here: Quite possibly my all time favourite Christmas carol, “O Holy Night” never fails to give me tingles down my spine. Although I had been aware of it for … More O Holy Night
I discovered this anthem whilst browsing in the Sing for Pleasure shop at Summer School 2018. It appealed immediately, and I knew that, with encouragement, Maggie’s Music Makers would be able to make a good job of it. … More Advent to Christmas – Noel Rawsthorne (1929-2019)
As many readers know, for the past two years I have been a regular attendee at Sing for Pleasure choral singing leadership and conducting courses … More I believe
One of my favourite songs in the Sunday School Repertoire is Thank You Lord, by Mark & Helen Johnson of Out of the Ark Music. I tend to drop it into our weekly singing practices whenever I feel there is something to be grateful for … More Thank You Lord
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 