I am delighted to report on the local gathering at Blackburn Cathedral on the 25th June.
Most supporters arrived in time to enjoy the 10.30 Eucharist sung to Rheinberger in E flat, followed by coffee and then took an excellent lunch in Checks & Greys, the restaurant in the new development of the Cathedral, named after the patterns of fabric that made Blackburn famous in the 18th Century.
After lunch we gathered in the South Transept to be given a talk by Dr John Bertalot, the Organist Emeritus, about training a choir. It included some essential tips on choir discipline illustrated by his own experiences as a young student at Cambridge some seventy years ago and involving David Wilcox. We were also encouraged in the use of proper diction.
Those of us who had asked to sing with the choir at Evensong then went to practise, at first alone and then with the choir. It was a wonderful feeling for those who have not been able to join in such an event for a long time. I feel that, where possible, it should be considered as a welcome element in local gatherings.
Continuing the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the introit was his Teach Me O Lord, Psalm 119 verses 33-38 and the service ended with the Antiphon by Vaughan Williams, Let All all the World from his Five Mystical Songs, a wonderful piece to perform.
Tea and cakes were served at the close of the day. Fortunately, sufficient quantity had been provided to allow for the flock of gannets, otherwise choristers, who descended on the table and scoffed a good deal of it. I think they deserved it for the hard work they do to provide such uplifting music week after week.
I must express my gratitude to the Dean, the Very Rev’d Peter Howell Jones for allowing us to hold the event, and to the Director of Music, John Robinson, for his guidance in choosing activities to fill the day, and for letting us join his wonderful choir for that immensely pleasurable hour of Evensong. We hope that you'll be able to join us for future gatherings at Blackburn Cathedral.