Brentwood School Voices Fill Hallowed Halls

The angelic voices of the Brentwood School Chamber Choir and the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, combined to create a truly moving musical feast live-streamed to a world-wide audience.

The choral collaboration - part of the Music Department’s mission to expose students to professional music-making across multiple genres - saw the two choirs produce a ‘truly exhilarating sound, singing with passion, conviction and tremendous expression’.

It was a huge privilege for the school’s choristers to join the Choir of Clare College for Tuesday night’s service of Choral Evensong. With Clare College being the second-oldest surviving college of the University of Cambridge founded in 1326, it was fitting that this historic venue with a rich musical tradition was the venue for such a unique experience: singing Evensong and continuing a ritual, which stretches back to the Reformation.

Brentwood School pupils were given a guided tour by Clare College students and a welcome from Mr Graham Ross, Director of Music at Clare College, via Zoom. His words were inspirational and highlighted the pathways for potential candidates to access the hallowed halls of Oxbridge colleges; the application process; life-style of a choral scholar and student; opportunities and benefits; and accessibility to this illustrious way of life.

Brentwood School Assistant Director of Music, Mr David Revels, said: “It is clear that Clare College, whilst rooted in the traditions of the past, has an eye to the future. The Choral Evensong was attended in person by a modest congregation, yet enjoyed virtually by many, many more via live-streaming technology. 

“As you can see (and hear), the combined choirs produced a truly exhilarating sound, singing with passion, conviction and tremendous expression to create a memorable experience for all.” The repertoire included Preces & Responses, William Byrd; Psalm 89 vv 20-30;  Evening Canticles Collegium Regale and the anthem Like as the Hart, Herbert Howells. The service ended with a rousing rendition of Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer suitable for St David's Day.

He added: “Members of Clare College Chapel Choir, George Gillow (Sir William McKie Senior Organ Scholar) and Hannah Ambrose OB (Choir Administrator and choir member) gave of their experience and greatly encouraged our pupils in matters both musical and by way of the application process.

“The occasion was a huge success and we look forward to the many enquiries, which will no doubt come our way in relation to Oxbridge and Cathedral Choir choral scholar applications. It was also nice to see many recent Old Brentwoods, currently studying at Cambridge University, in the congregation to support their old school.

“This completes a trilogy of events, which fulfils a departmental aim to ensure our students gain exposure to professional music-making across multiple genres. In the last month, our students have benefited hugely from working with professional orchestra The Arch Sinfonia, playing alongside the Seven Steps Big Band and now singing side-by-side with the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge.”

Live Stream link