C H O R A L E V E N S O N G 2 0 1 5

Our monthly 6.30pm Choral Evensong at Malmesbury Abbey brings together some of the most beautiful choral music ever written, the ancient liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer and the words of the King James Version of the Bible; all in the peace and tranquillity of an iconic 12th century abbey. Throughout 2015, at most Evensongs, Malmesbury Abbey Choir will be exploring some of the finest choral settings of the Psalms. Via the early church and the monastic traditions, the Hebrew Psalter has passed into the very heart of the worshipping life of the Church of England. This year we listen to Allegri, Purcell, Stanford, Finzi and many others as they bring to life the ancient and inspiring words of God’s people. 11th January The Epiphany

Introit Ave Maria – Franz Biebl Canticles Walmisley in D minor Anthem Videntes Stellam – Francis Poulenc 25th January The Conversion of St Paul

Sung by the Gentlemen of Bristol Cathedral Choir and followed by a free informal concert with refreshments. 8th February The Presentation of Christ

Introit Beati quorum via (Ps 119) – Stanford Canticles St Paul’s Service – Herbert Howells Anthem Wash me throughly (Ps 39) – SS Wesley

1st March Second Sunday of Lent

Introit Hear my prayer (Ps 102) – Purcell Canticles St Paul’s Service – Herbert Howells Anthem Miserere Mei Deus (Ps 51) – Allegri 3rd April Good Friday at 6pm Miserere Mei Deus (Ps 51) – Allegri Jesus Meine Freude – JS Bach 5th April Easter Day

Introit Thou wilt keep him (Ps 139,119) – Wesley Canticles Stanford in B flat Anthem O God, thou art my God (Ps 63) – Purcell 10th May Sunday before Ascension Day

Introit O God the King of Glory – Purcell Canticles Walmisley in D minor Anthem Beati quorum via (Ps 119) – Stanford 14th June St Barnabas the Apostle

Introit O taste and see (Ps 34) – Vaughan Williams Canticles Stanford in B flat Anthem I was glad (Ps 22) – Parry 12th July St Benedict of Nursia

Introit Miserere Mei Deus (Ps 51) – Allegri Canticles Purcell in G minor Anthem New Song (Ps 96) – James MacMillan

13th September North Wilts Deanery Evensong

Introit Like as the hart (Ps 42) – Herbert Howells Canticles Walmisley in D minor Anthem Spaséñiye sodéelal yesí (Ps 74) - Chesnokov 11th October Harvest

Introit Spaséñiye sodéelal yesí (Ps 74) - Chesnokov Canticles Stanford in B flat Anthem The heavens are telling (Ps 19) – Haydn 8th November Remembrance Service at 2.30pm Introit Thou wilt keep him (Ps 139) – SS Wesley Anthem And I saw a new heaven - Bainton 28th & 29th Nov Advent Carol Services Candlelit Lessons & Carols for Advent,

at 6.30pm 19th & 20th Dec Nine Lessons & Carols

Candlelit Lessons & Carols for Christmas, at 6.30pm

Service details subject to change Malmesbury Abbey Choir John Hughes MA (Cantab) ARCO (Organist & Choirmaster) Revd Canon Neill Archer (Vicar) Malmesbury Abbey Parish Office 01666 826666 office@malmesburyabbey.com www.malmesburyabbey.com