‘Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.’
(J. S. Bach)
a vibrant musical tradition
The Church of the Resurrection strives to be a parish worshipping with excellence in sacred choral music
Music and Choir
At the Church of the Resurrection Swanbourne, music is an integral part of our traditional catholic worship. Our choir, the St Cecilia Singers, supports our worship through music in various ways. During Sung Masses they lead the faithful in singing the mass; during our Choral Masses they sing the mass themselves; and as well as the Choral Masses they present anthems and motets from the centuries of Christian choral music, from the Middle Ages to the present.
During the past year the choir has sung masses by Byrd, Palestrina, Mozart, Haydn, Darke, and Howells, and anthems have included O Magnum Mysterium by Victoria, Christus Factus Est by Bruckner, and modern motets by Rutter, Whitacre and Arco Part. On particular Holy Days they have sung Faure’s Requiem, Ubi Caritas by Durufle and excerpts of Handel’s Messiah.
Saint Cecilia, after whom our choir is named, is the patron saint of music. Just as saints are those Christians particularly devoted to God, so the culture of our parish choir is to be particularly devoted to the ministry of music as a vehicle for the worship of God. The St Cecilia Singers consists of young, emerging singers of significant talent and dedication to sacred choral music. Their work at the Church of the Resurrection is vital to our liturgy, but also provides them with the opportunity to build their experience of choral music and learn about Christian worship.
Our 2024 Music programme
Sunday 5 February: Missa Brevis in C K.220 (Sparrow Mass) by Mozart and Locus Iste by Bruckner
Sunday 24 March (Palm Sunday): Communion Service in C by Stanford and Hosanna to the Son of David by Weekles
Friday 29 March (Good Friday): Miserere - Allegri
Sunday 31 March (Easter Sunday): Mass in C KV 317 (Coronation Mass) by Mozart, Worthy is the Lamb from Handel's Messiah
The St Cecilia Singers currently consist of 8 members:
Tenor
Koert van der Laan
Noah Humich
Sopranos
Rachael Liu
Beth Redwood
Bases
Brett Peart
James Pinneri
Alto
Emily Davis
Olivia Ferguson
New members will be auditioned from time to time as the need arises. If you are interested in joining the St Cecilia Singers please contact the Director of Music through our contact page.
Church of the Resurrection