Sun 15th October was something of an end of an era at Chelmsford Cathedral – James Davy’s last Sunday as Director of Music here, after no less than 11 years in post, before he moves on. Many Friends will remember James’s outstanding work at the National Gathering in May, providing a weekend of excellent music (pictured above with our Development Director, Natasha Morris).
The cathedral was packed for Evensong and James kindly invited the Occasional Singers (of which your Area Representative is a very occasional member!) and other friends to join the Cathedral Choir for this special service.
We began with a delightful introit by the outgoing Director of Music - himself a considerable composer, amongst his other talents - ‘Fountain of Sweets’ (words: Joseph Beaumont) - a favourite of the choristers, unsurprisingly! The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were Francis Jackson’s wonderful service in G and the striking anthem, with three (soprano) angel voices hovering above the choir, was ‘Antiphon’ by Britten.
As the Vice Dean, Canon Ivor Moody, asked the Interim Dean, the Very Revd Paul Kennington to give Valediction to James, one was touchingly reminded of how often James had made the very same request himself at the departure of so many choristers and choral scholars over the past 11 years. The sermon, by the Interim Dean, included a plethora of musical witticisms and after a presentation, James made his way up to the organ loft to treat us to his chosen final voluntary: Litanies by Jehan Alain, quite stunningly thrown off, during which the entire congregation and even the choir remained, completely silent, in their seats. This was followed, needless to say, by an extended round of applause, before adjourning to St Cedd’s Hall for farewell drinks and refreshments.
We all wish James every success on the next stage of his career. Meanwhile, the music at Chelmsford is in the capable hands of our Interim Organist and Master of the Choristers, Thomas Corns, together with Sam Bristow, our recently appointed Sub-Organist, who joins us from St Matthew’s Westminster, and our newly appointed Canon Precentor, the Revd Sebastian Harries.