'Remarkable' new compositions mark the return of choral singing to York Minster

And the coronavirus pandemic even managed something that two world wars and a devastating fire did not - it quietened the choristers at York Minster.

In fact, the six-month break caused by the virus was the first break in choral singing at the Minster in 360 years.

This week, to celebrate the resumption of singing, three specially commissioned anthems will receive their world premiere performances at Evensong by the adult members of the York Minster Choir.

York Minster’s director of music, Robert Sharpe, said: “There is a real sense of anticipation and excitement at the Minster. After such a long time without singing, to come back with three remarkable new compositions is both a great honour and a great privilege.

“The last break in singing in cathedrals was 360 years ago – the period between the execution of Charles I on 30 January 1649 and the Restoration of the Monarchy with Charles II in London on 29 May 1660 - when the Puritans outlawed choral music in worship.

“The Act of Uniformity in 1662 restored earlier Church of England liturgical practice including choral singing.

“Singing in the Minster continued throughout both World Wars and even after the catastrophic fire of July 1984 when choral services sung by the York Minster Choir continued in our sister church, St Michael-le-Belfrey. Choral music is at the heart of worship in the Minster: the virus stopped everything.”

Tomorrow will see the debut performance of ‘O sing unto the Lord a new song’ by Cornish composer Becky McGlade, while Thursday will mark the first performance of ‘Now cheer our hearts this eventide, Lord Jesus Christ’, composed by Philip Moore, Organ Emeritus of York Minster.

‘After this, we will return’ by Cambridge composer, Sarah MacDonald, will have its premiere on Friday.

This month will also see the return of the boy and girl choristers to the Minsters for the first time.

Composer Ms McGlade said her song, which takes text from Psalm 99, was a “timely reminder” that however demanding the time, Jesus remains faithful. She expressed her delight that choirs would once again being singing in churches and cathedrals after the “unprecedented hiatus”.

Mr Moore said he was “honoured and delighted” to be asked to contribute an anthem, which is for alto, tenor and bass.

“Writing for a three-part choir is an enjoyable challenge, akin perhaps to cooking with only three ingredients,” he said. “I hope these new musical recipes will mark a significant step in restoring our treasured choirs to their full glory and will give worshippers a taste of eternity.”

Ms MacDonald’s work sourced texts which speak of less, return and renewal - not only reflecting on what had happened, but “serving as a metaphor for my own compositional mind set”.

She added: “Fortunately, some of those longed-for fresh ideas reappeared with the knowledge that the piece will be sung live very soon by such a fabulous choir.”

The number of worshippers at York Minster is expected to increase as singing resumes - so a reservation system will soon be introduced.

In order to safely maintain social distancing, the system will begin from September 27 for the most popular Sunday services - at 10am, 11am and Evensong at 4pm.

Director of visitor experience Patricia Dunlop said: “Covid-19 has affected virtually every aspect of our lives, and this change is just one more adaptation that we have to make in order to enjoy Sunday worship in a safe manner, as we welcome choral music back to the Minster.”