King's Chapel Choir Spring Tour: Day 1

This blog entry was written by members of the Choir. All photos taken by Shannon Parker.

It can only bode well that we embarked upon this epic musical adventure during one of the loveliest days of weather we have had yet this year! The choir left the King's quad in good time and arrived in Windsor without mishap (except for some missed exits which required drastic recovery measures!). King's Alumnus and Chaplain of King's-Edgehill Father David Curry greeted us atop the hill where the campus is situated and took us into the Chapel, one of the two remaining buildings from the old King's that were not destroyed by fire.

After a brief rehearsal and lunch at the school cafeteria, the choir sang an hour-long concert for the students, many of whom had rarely heard sacred choral music performed live before. Pieces from the 8th-Century Hymn of Cassia to Paul's Halley own setting of the Rankin Family's Fare Thee Well surprised and delighted students and staff alike. The choir received a standing ovation, which is kind of stunning, coming from an audience of mainly pre-pubescent adolescents. The Headmaster spoke after the concert, thanking the choir for proving again that "of all instruments, the most beautiful is the human voice." Choristers chatted with some students after the concert and we heard that a student from Germany remarked that she wouldn't mind singing herself ‑‑‑ if it was in a chapel choir.

Choristers were given the opportunity to explore campus. Many were impressed by King's-Egdehill's phenomenal music program and the many resources that students here have access to, including eight grand pianos! Tenor Thomas McCallum remarked that the facilities made him “extremely jealous.” During our campus tour, choristers visited the King's-Edgehill's impressive library (formerly Convocation Hall) replete with winding staircases, leather chairs and an barren front edifice that was once the home of the Middle Bay's infamous statue of Aeneas and his father. It was one of the many reminders of King's historical connection to the Windsor campus. Many choristers took advantage of the nice weather on the expansive grounds to play a game of frisbee and basque in the sun on the rolling hills.

Even the dandelions at King's-Edgehill were picturesque on such a beautiful campus. We were extremely thankful for such a warm welcome and a good beginning to a deepening friendship between the two King's campuses through music.

We then headed to Christ Church down the street where the King's Chapel Choir sang a Choral Evensong service. Evensong is such a precious part of a parish's rhythm of prayer and the King's Choir is helping to preserve this important form of worship. Before the choir led the congregation in song, the generous hospitality of the parish provided us with a hearty maritime meal of fish chowder and fresh gingerbread. A big thank you to the sweet ladies of Christ Church who prepared dinner for us! There were also some familiar faces in the congregation as several members of the King's community journeyed to Windsor for Evensong. After the Magnificat was sung and the last notes of the postlude faded, choristers dispersed to the local pub and to bed to get some much needed rest before another early start the next day. It was truly a wonderful beginning!