With its centuries‑old choral traditions at the heart of daily worship and community life, a remarkable musical initiative has been brought to life within the historic walls of Eton College Chapel.
“Chapel is definitely one of the highlights of being an Etonian. Hundreds of boys singing a hymn that is very much alive. There’s something inherently magical about singing in Chapel with your friends to start the day. It isn’t really about the music itself, but about the shared sense of belonging it creates.”
Monty H. and Felix W.
750 boys from Years 11, 12 and 13 gathered together to record their favourite hymns as part of a unique project named Eton Hymnal. Led by students Monty H. and Felix W. alongside Mr Johnson, Precentor and Director of Music, the aim was simple but powerful: to capture the authentic sound of the chapel as it’s truly experienced, robust, communal and deeply meaningful.
Rather than producing a studio performance, this project celebrates the living sound of hymns sung by the boys themselves during regular chapel services, the same melodies generations of Etonians have grown up with and cherished throughout their school lives.
Eton College Chapel itself has a long history as a place where music and worship intertwine with congregational singing and choir music, playing a central role in daily services that bring hundreds of boys together in a shared spiritual and musical experience.
What makes this project truly special is its purpose: the boys have generously chosen to donate all proceeds from the recordings to Cathedral Music Trust.
We are hugely grateful to them for linking their musical endeavour to this vital cause, demonstrating how young voices can amplify the message of safeguarding cathedral music, bridging centuries-old tradition with contemporary expression.
The Eton Hymnal is more than a recording project: it is a joyful, living testament to the power of communal song, and a meaningful contribution to sustaining cathedral music for generations to come.
Listen and purchase the Eton Hymnal :www.etonhymnal.co.uk
