As a result of Decca Record's search to find Britain's Best Parish Choir we've recorded The Hymns Album of the nation's best-loved hymns, which is available in shops, online, and for digital download including iTunes. The choir performed at Classic FM Live and previewed a couple of tracks from the album. You can follow these exciting developments on Twitter.

 

Wallingford Parish Church Choir is a thriving choir, directed by Sue Ledger. There are over 50 members, including 19 juniors. They rehearse once a week on Friday evenings, and sing weekly services at St Mary's and St Leonard's Churches as well as at weddings, civic services, etc. Wallingford is one of a limited number of parishes that still maintain a tradition of sung weekly Evensong services. These services are normally held at 6.30pm on Sunday at St Leonard's church, and feature sung responses, canticles, an anthem, and hymns from Ancient and Modern, Revised. At a monthly choral evensong we also sing the canticles to a special setting. Singing is accompanied at both churches by our organists who benefit from excellent recently rebuilt traditional pipe organs. Music for these and other services are listed here.
 

Once a year during August the choir visits Abbeys or Cathedrals to sing the services. In 2008 the choir spent a glorious day in London singing Evensong at Westminster Abbey. In 2009 they sang for a week at Salisbury Cathedral, and in 2010 visited Lichfield Cathedral. Other visits have been to Lincoln and Winchester Cathedrals, and Bath Abbey. Most recently we sang services at Canterbury Cathedral in August this year. The choir are well-known TV extras, appearing in a number of episodes of Midsomer Murders.

New members are welcome in all voice parts. There are no formal auditions, and the choir has a wide range of abilities but everyone strives to reach the highest standards. Many choristers have completed the RSCM Voice for Life Singing Awards.

The Junior Choristers play a full role in the musical life of the church, singing the full range of services, but they have the prime role at the Family Services once a month. New Choristers (from age 7 upwards) are always particularly welcome. Do get in touch with Sue if you are interested via e-mail on sue@drsue.org.uk .

 

The Juniors rehearse from 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm on Friday evenings at St Mary's and the adults join them at 8pm (and stay till 9.30 pm).