Choral Vespers

Sung evening prayer in the English choral tradition: chant, polyphony, and the great motet repertoire, sung as it was written to be sung, in a church, at dusk, as prayer.

In selected months, the St Joseph's Choristers sing Vespers, the Church's evening office. Psalms, canticles, hymns, and motets, set within silence and prayer, and concluding with Eucharistic Benediction. The music draws on Gregorian chant and the English cathedral repertoire, with composers such as Tallis, Byrd, Elgar, Purcell and Wesley, sung with the unhurried pacing that tradition asks for.

You are welcome whether you come to pray, to listen, or simply to sit in a quiet church for an hour. No experience of Catholic worship is assumed, and there is nothing you need to do but be present. A printed order of service guides you through.

Admission is free. Refreshments follow in the parish hall, do stay.

Come and Sing

Before selected Vespers, we open the repertoire to visiting singers. You'll rehearse with the Choristers in the afternoon and sing the service with us. The ability to read music is essential, and some sight-singing confidence will help you enjoy it. Details and registration are on the individual event listings.

Qui bene cantat, bis orat.
Whoever sings well, prays twice.