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The tenors and basses of the Choral Scholars and the sopranos and altos of the Chapel Choir both took part in a stunningly atmospheric evening Chapel service on Advent Sunday, heralding the beginning of this great season of anticipation ahead of Christmas. The tenors and basses sang the plainsong office of Vespers. Plainsong is some
of the most ancient music we have access to today, having been sung in monastic communities for centuries. Beautiful in its simplicity and majestic in its glory, it was
a very welcome reminder of the true origins behind the beginnings of the Church’s new year. It was also particularly exciting to both see and hear this former great
Lancing tradition reinstated, invoking many happy memories for Dr Kerney.
At the conclusion of Vespers, the sopranos and altos processed from the narthex to the head of the nave, guided by the symbolic flickering of candles. Benjamin
Britten (with whom Lancing has a strong connection through Peter Pears OL) wrote A Ceremony of Carols during an Atlantic crossing at the height of the Second World
War, in constant fear of U-boat attacks. Armed with books on the harp, he composed this masterful work for three upper-voice parts with harp accompaniments, based
on traditional texts. The unforgivingly cold candle-lit Chapel only added to the enchanting mysticism of the music. There were spell-binding solo performances from
members of the Third Form: Lucas C and Lucien S (both formerly of St Paul’s Cathedral), Kiara N (formerly of Exeter Cathedral) and Lili R (formerly of Salisbury Cathedral). The perfect start to this most exciting of seasons!
Benjamin I-C, Lower Sixth
Published Dec 2021