The choir of St Giles' parish church, (Ashtead) St Giles' choir at Guildford Cathedral

St Giles' choir serves two congregations at our ancient and beautiful parish church each Sunday maintaining a choral tradition that began centuries ago, even before the establishment of the Church of England, and is now almost unique to this country alone. The choir sings a varied repertoire that has been richly expanded by the inspirations of many famous composers such as Palestrina, Morley, Byrd, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Wesley, Stanford, Howells and modern composers such as John Rutter.

The choir, which is robed, leads worship at 11.30am (Book of Common Prayer Matins, except for the first Sunday of the month when it is BCP Holy Communion) and at 6pm (BCP Evensong, except for the third Sunday of the month when it is BCP Choral Evensong). Regular worship at these services includes sung responses, psalms and canticles to chants, hymns and anthems.

There are a number of special services held throughout the year which are also led by the choir. These include Advent carols, a traditional service of 9 Lessons and Carols at Christmas, midnight communion on Christmas Eve, Epiphany carols, Lenten services which incorporates a performance of a piece such as The Crucifixion by Stainer or the St Mark Passion by Wood, Harvest thanksgiving and Remembrance Sunday services which include a major choral item such as the Fauré Requiem.

The choir maintains an important ministry singing for weddings and funerals when requested. Members also lead a monthly midweek service of Compline which is sung to plainsong, and midweek Taizé services two or three times a year.

If you are interested in joining the parish choir, or would like more details, please contact: Nigel Perona-Wright - Parish Choir Director, St Giles' & St George, Ashtead Tel: 01372 277703

• Christmas 2003 The Parish Choir of St Giles' & St George

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