One of the defining features of the Anglican tradition is its liturgy and choral music. Our enthusiastic singing congregation is supported by our choir during the Sunday Eucharist. As well as leading the hymns and the psalm, sung to anglican chant, the choir also sings an anthem during communion. There is also a regular Evensong once a month (see the church calendar for the next date). This is a predominantly sung liturgy, led by the choir and a Precentor or Cantor that has been sung in Anglican churches and cathedrals for nearly 500 years.
Sunday mornings
On Sundays, the choir gathers at 9:30 am to rehearse for the Sunday service at 10:30 am. The Sunday choir is very special in that it is about showing up to sing and working with the voices we have to deliver beautiful music. Other choirs rehearse a lot and perform rather little. Here it is the other way round. But we do take our time to rehearse every other week right after the service. Whether you’re coming regularly to worship at St Thomas Becket or are just visiting, you are always welcome to come and join us in the organ loft at 9:30 am to prepare the music for the morning’s service. .
Please contact the choir leader, Prof. Dr. Arwen Pearson at music@anglican-church-hamburg.de, if you would like to sing in the choir.
Every year on All Saints’ Sunday (always around 1 November), new members are welcomed to the choir and the choristers renew their intention to be part of creating beauty and joy.
Other musical activities
As well as singing on Sundays, the choir also sings for special events and services. These include a concert in Passiontide, Evensong for Nacht der Kirchen and of course the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols just before Christmas. We also go on outings to sing and visit friends at other churches around the Hamburg area.