Introduction

Ever since its foundation in 1861, St John's has enjoyed a fine tradition of church music. Today music is provided for all the Weekend Masses, together with the Easter Triduum and solemnities throughout the year. Two choral foundations provide the liturgical music at the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass - the Sunday Choir and the Festival Choir.

Music for Weddings, Baptisms or Funerals

Inquiries about providing music for these special events should be made to the Musical Director - see below for contact details.

St John's Sunday Choir

The smaller of the two choirs, this is nevertheless responsible for the majority of the music throughout the year. It provides music for most of the Sundays not covered by the Festival Choir, together with Maundy Thursday, the Easter Vigil, Christmas Masses and Solemnities.

The Sunday Choir's primary function is to lead the congregational singing - antiphonal settings of the Mass, responsorial psalms, Gospel and Eucharistic acclamations. An anthem is generally sung at Communion. Plainchant is used regularly and the musical diet is generally eclectic without resorting to vulgarity. There are two resident composers: Rupert Bevan who writes the psalm setting each week together with the regularly sung Gloria, and Jacquelyn Fry who has produced two settings of the Mass Ordinary for congregation/choir use as well as anthems.

Choir practice happens at 7.30 pm on Thursday evenings in the church. Rupert Bevan is the Musical Director and if you are interested in finding out more about or would like to join, please contact him - see below for details.

In particular, opportunities exist for cantors. The Cantor Ministry is one which is taken very seriously at St John's and training is available for those who would like to serve God in this way. Please contact the Musical Director if you are interested.

The Musical Director, Rupert Bevan can be contacted on r_s_bevan@yahoo.com.