This year the Mozart Requiem attracted a record number of singers from as far away as South Wales, Oxford, London and parts of Kent. In total there were 185 singers, 30 in the orchestra and about 80 in the audience. The Chapel was virtually full to capacity. Much energy was used throughout the day in realising this sublime masterpiece. Notwithstanding the major power cut in the morning which rendered Mr. James noteless at the Clavinova, the stoical kitchen staff still managed to produce a deliciously hot lunch.

The most daunting prospect of this day is always the thought of what the choir is going to sound like – the warm-up piece was the Rex Tremendae and having heard the first chord we realised that this was going to be something really special. The afternoon brought the choir and orchestra together. The orchestra, lead by Kate Hawes, who teaches violin at St. Mary`s, was made up of Fr. Andrew, peripatetic staff from the Music Department, Mr. James at the organ and local players. We were so fortunate in having two Basset Horn players to join the orchestra instead of clarinets. The orchestra produced a gloriously full sound which provided a strong and reliable backcloth to the power of the choir.

The performance in the evening, conducted by Deborah Radford, lived up to all expectations. It began with the Laudate Dominum by Mozart which featured soprano, Lissie Lowes who is an Exhibitioner in Lower 6. She delighted the audience with her singing. Four young soloists joined the choir for The Requiem. Christopher Wray – Bass; Jake White – Tenor; Pollyanna Hewetson – Mezzo Soprano and Mária Márton – Soprano. Maria, who comes from Hungary also teaches at St. Mary`s. She enchanted everyone with the quality of her voice and in her total engagement throughout the performance.

The Choral Day represents an opportunity for everyone, near and far, to get together to sing music of extraordinary quality. It is becoming a real highlight in the choral life of St. Mary`s so it is a pleasure to tell you that the next one will be on Saturday, 31st January, 2009.