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.
Yotin Tiewtrakul is the Music Director and, together with Jochim Trede, STB’s long-standing organist, leads the contribution of music to the life of the church. Yotin has composed one of the musical settings we use for our Sunday liturgy, as well as numerous anthems, carols, canticles and other liturgy settings.
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.
Children interested in singing are also welcome to come and join us. Please contact the Music Director if your child 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.
Anglican Consort
For more experienced singers, the Anglican Consort (~ 16 voices) gathers for at least two projects per year. They sing repertoire in the Anglican choral tradition spanning from the Renaissance to the modern day. They usually sing at least one Choral Evensong a year and lead an Advent Carol Service at the start of advent. If you are interested in auditioning for the Anglican Consort, please contact the Music Director.
Yotin Tiewtrakul – Music Director
Email: music@anglican-church-hamburg.de
