Any service at St Pauls is special; it is such an iconic
building and so full of history. But to be able to take part in a service with
almost all the Livery Companies present and in full robes is very special
indeed. It was therefore a great honour for the Mistress and I to attend the
Worshipful Company of Musicians Evensong under the Great Dome of St Pauls.
We assembled in St Faith’s Chapel to robe and fix badges of
office. For those who have not visited the Chapel it is not a big space and
with approximately 200 Livery Masters, Wardens, Clerks and members of the
Musicians Company assembled it soon became very crowed and hot! But it was
wonderful to be with so many other Liverymen.
We then processed (second time in a week!) up into the
Cathedral itself and took our seats under the Dome. Other Mistresses and
Consorts were already in place together with a large congregation from the
general public. What a sight we must have made for them and many a sneaky
photograph was being taken (cameras are not allowed in St Pauls!). What
followed was a veritable tour de force of choral and organ music provided by
the St Pauls Cathedral Choir and the organist Simon Johnson. The power of both
the singing and the playing was incredible and raised the roof (or dome!).
The service was led by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Brewster
who also read the First Lesson. The Second Lesson was read by the Master
Musician Lady Tessa Brewer OBE and one of the young Musician Company Choristers
assisted with the prayers – and did a very professional job. There then
followed a wonderful musical interlude by the Royal College of Music String
Orchestra to commemorate those Company members who had passed away during the
year. Elgar’s (himself an Honorary Freeman of the Musicians Company) Elegy for Strings
was a most fitting piece of music and so expertly played. Very inspiring.
And then the service was over and we once again processed to
the Chapel for dis-robing. A drinks reception followed in the Crypt and thanks
must go to the Musicians Company for their generosity.
A truly amazing service in the very centre of the City of
London. Thank you to the Master Musician and her team in inviting us to attend.
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