Past Concerts

Saturday 23rd March 2024, 5pm 

St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh

Path of Miracles, by British composer Joby Talbot, is an ethereal choral journey following the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The Edinburgh Singers first performed one of its movements, Santiago, back in 2018 and were excited to be performing the work in its entirety in 2024. 

Written in 2005 following a commission from the vocal chamber group, Tenebrae, this a cappella work contains a libretto that spans Greek, Latin, Basque, Spanish and French as it takes the listener along the path of this ancient route.

Depicting one of the most enduring religious pilgrimages, the Camino de Santiago, it captures travellers’ stories in an unmissable musical journey drawing from a vast range of global vocal traditions.

Alistair Digges - Conductor

Saturday 9th December 2023, 7.30pm

Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

In a sell-out performance, Edinburgh Singers and their audience embraced the Christmas spirit with their annual concert performed in the iconic Greyfriars Kirk. The choir performed timeless favourites as well as showcasing some lesser-known festive melodies. The congregations was invited to sing along during the traditional audience carol segments, and enjoyed indulgent mince pies and mulled wine refreshments at the interval.

Alistair Digges - Conductor
Mark O'Keeffe - Trumpet
Andrew Forbes - Organ

Saturday 28th October 2023, 7.00pm

St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers opened their 2023/24 season with a performance of one of the greatest and most memorable choral works, Handel's Messiah. The choir was joined by the Meadows Chamber Orchestra and a stellar lineup of soloists in the beautiful surrounds of St Cuthbert's Parish Church for a special evening of stirring choruses, soaring arias and poignant recitatives that narrate the dramatic story of Christ.

Musical Director: Alistair Digges

Soloists: Catriona Hewitson, Heather Ireson, Cameron Mitchell, Paul Grant

Saturday 17th June 2023, 7.00pm

St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers finished their 2022/23 season with a performance of the 19th century's most enduring oratorio, Elijah. Mendelssohn's dramatic portrayal of the prophet Elijah is packed full of stirring choruses and beautiful solo writing. The choir welcomed back Musical Director Alistair Digges from a year's sabbatical with Nederlandse Reisopera. The choir engaged a stellar line up of soloists, with Scottish soprano and winner of the BBC Radio 2 Kiri Prize Shuna Scott Sendall, former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Louise Collett, Canadian-born tenor James Schouten, and Scottish baritone Christopher Nairne who has been enjoying success in roles at Opera North and English National Opera. The Edinburgh Singers Sinfonia featured many of Scotland's leading professional musicians. In the stunning setting of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, this was a very special evening!

Saturday 11th March 2023, 7.30pm

St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers presented a celebration of music from the Spanish Golden Age, a period of flourishing culture that produced some of Spain's best music. The programme commenced with Victoria's glorious O Magnum Mysterium and was followed by rousing works collected by Mateo Flecha the Elder, such as the lively Riu Riu Chiu. We sang Romance del Marques de Mantua, part of a collection of songs referenced in Cervantes' Don Quixote, and in celebration of the long-standing connections between Spain and Scotland, we paid homage to Scotland's own bard Robert Burns in MacMillan's The Gallant Weaver. The legacy of Spain's Golden Age was reflected in the programme's more contemporary pieces which included Ginastera's raging and dramatic Lamentations of Jeremiah and Rosita de un verde palmar, a popular Cuban habanera. Guest percussionist Fiona McNeill joined the choir throughout, bringing the evening to a triumphant close with Jansson's To the Mothers in Brazil: Salva Regina. 

Under the baton of guest conductor Alison McNeill, in the glorious acoustic of St Mary's Cathedral.

Saturday 10th December 2022

7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' annual choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk.

Under the baton of guest conductor William More, and accompanied by organist Henry Wallace, the evening featured festive favourites, audience participation carols, and complimentary sparkling wine and mince pies.

29th October 2022

7.30pm at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers returned to St Cuthbert's Parish Church with a performance of Duruflé's Requiem, Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs and Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine. Under the baton of guest conductor Philip Redfern, the choir was joined by Heather Ireson (Mezzo-Soprano), Jonathan Forbes Kennedy (Baritone) and Morley Whitehead (organ).

Saturday 9th July 2022, 7.30pm

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London

Performers 

London Oriana Choir

Dominic Ellis-Peckham musical director

The Edinburgh Singers

Alastair Digges musical director

Southern Spirit Singers

Andy King conductor

Archer Academy

Alice Humphrey conductor

Repertoire 

Mia Makaroff:  Butterfly

Kate Rusby:  Underneath the stars arr. Jim Clements

Sarah Quartet:  Swept away

Eleanor Daley:  Set me as a seal

Aileen Sweeney:  We will no longer sing into the silence

Judith Weir:  My Guardian Angel

Annie Lennox:  Love song for a Vampire

Jessica Curry:  Home

Interval

Cecilia McDowall:  Regina Caeli

Jessica Curry:  I loved you first

Cheryl Frances-Hoad:  So true a fool is love

Ailsa Dixon:  These things shall be

Hannah Kendall:  Tuxedo: Dust Bowl #2

Rebecca Dale:  Salve regina

Shruthi Rajasekar:  Green Fingers

Anna Disley-Simpson:  In the blue

Tara Mack:  In Lak'ech (You are my other me)

Kerry Andrew:  who we are

Saturday 11th June 2022

7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers 70th Anniversary summer concert in the atmospheric surroundings of Greyfriars Kirk. The choir sang Vaughan Williams' poignant plea for peace, Dona Nobis Pacem, along with Howells' rarely performed masterpiece Hymnus Paradisi. Celebrated soloists and orchestra complemented the choir in performing these evocative and exceptional pieces.

Musical Director: Alistair Digges

Soprano: Sarah-Jane Brandon

Tenor: Jamie MacDougall

Baritone: James Arthur

and The Edinburgh Singers Sinfonia

With thanks to our concert sponsors, The Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust and The Herbert Howells Trust.

Saturday 19th March 2022

7.30pm at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Programme:

David Peebles Si quis diligit me

William Byrd Sing joyfully

Johann Christoph Bach Es ist nun aus mit meinem Leben

Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Jauchzet dem Herrn

Josef Rheinberger Abendlied

Anton Bruckner Os justi

Gustav Holst Ave Maria

John Stainer God so loved the world

Randall Thompson Alleluia

Franz Biebl                     Ave Maria

Ēriks Ešenvalds        O salutaris hostia

Soloists: Katie Cochrane, Kirsty McRobbie

William More O make me a channel of your peace

Soloists: Olivia Fleming, Alex Marks, Warren MacLeod

Philip Stopford   Ave, Regina caelorum

Aileen Sweeney We will no longer sing into the silence

Soloists: Nicola Stock, David Leaver, Stephen Metcalfe

arr. Simon Carrington O my love is like a red, red rose

Soloist: Luke Francis

James MacMillan      Lassie, wad ye loe me?

Soloists: Gillian Mitchell, Sylvia Hamilton

Saturday 11th December 2021

7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to return to the historic Greyfriars Kirk for a choral celebration of Christmas. Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, and accompanied by organist Henry Wallace, the evening featured choral Christmas highlights including Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium, Gjeilo's Spotless Rose and Wilberg's Joy to the World, as well as traditional carols.

Programme:

Joy to the World - arr. Mack Wilberg

Ding dong! Merrily on High - arr. David Willcocks

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Elizabeth Poston

A Maiden Most Gentle  -  Andrew Carter

The Holly and the Ivy  -  arr. Reginald Jaques

Mary's Lullaby  -  John Rutter

Gabriel's Message  -  Eleanor Daley

Withers Rocking Hymn  -  Ralph Vaughan Williams  

       New Voices soloists: Katie Cochrane, Luke Francis, Kirsty McRobbie

A Gallery Carol  - John Gardner

Good people all this Christmastime  -   trad. Irish (Wexford Carol)

In the Bleak Midwinter  -   Harold Darke

       Soloists: Holly Carter, David Leaver

O magnum mysterium  -  Morten Lauridsen

Unto us is Born a Son  -  arr. David Willcocks

Spotless Rose  -  Ola Gjeilo

The Twelve Days of Christmas  -  John Rutter

Hark the Herald Angels Sing  -  Felix Mendelssohn

Angels we have heard on High  -  Mack Wilberg 

Saturday 25th September 2021

7.30pm at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Rheinberger's most famous choral work, the Mass for double choir in E flat, performed in the glorious acoustic of St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. With choral music by Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Ešenvalds, Stanford, Pearsall and Verdi.

Musical Director - Alistair Digges.

Download our programme notes here

Programme:

Charles V. Stanford Beati quorum via

The Blue Bird (soloist: Kirsty McRobbie)

Anton Bruckner Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam

Felix Mendelssohn Beati mortui

Giuseppe Verdi Laudi alla Vergine Maria

Felix Mendelssohn Mitten wir im Leben sind

Josef G. Rheinberger Mass in E flat

Ēriks Ešenvalds The Heavens' Flock

Robert L. Pearsall Lay a Garland

Friday 2nd April 2021

We were delighted to fundraise in Easter 2021 for CLIC Sargent with the premiere performance of Give Peace, a very special new piece composed by our Musical Director Alistair Digges and recorded by the choir virtually in lockdown.

Video: youtu.be/2jMeZj2tobc

A big thank you to everyone who donated - £1,147 was raised for CLIC Sargent, supporting children and young people with cancer.

Our JustGiving page has now closed, but you can still donate directly at www.clicsargent.org.uk

Music by Alistair Digges

Words by Henry W Baker

Video by alexchoudhary.co.uk

Thursday, 10th December 2020

As we were not able to sing together as a choir for much of 2020, we were delighted when the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity said they wanted videos of choirs singing Christmas music to help them raise money.

We hope you enjoyed our virtual performance of Deck the Hall (arr. Mack Wilberg)

Video: https://youtu.be/loIHqQI7L8Q

A massive thank you to everyone who donated - £1,093 raised for this fantastic cause!

Our JustGiving page has now closed, but you can still donate directly at www.echcharity.org

Saturday 14th December 2020 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Highlights of the concert included works by John Rutter and choir favourite, Ēriks Ešenvalds. We were delighted to be joined by Mark O'Keeffe, Principal Trumpet of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Traditional carols, mulled wine and mince pies completed the evening in the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk.

Alistair Digges: Music Director

Mark O'Keeffe: Trumpet

Henry Wallace: Organ

Programme highlights included:

John Rutter: The Very Best Time of the Year

John Rutter: Christmas Lullaby (Clear in the darkness...)

Andrew Carter: I saw three ships

Franz Biebl: Ave Maria

Mack Wilberg: Angels we have heard on high

Ēriks Ešenvalds: Stars

7.30pm, Saturday 15th June 2019 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was an orchestral concert of late romantic masterpieces. The highlight of the evening was Puccini's stunning Messa di Gloria, rightly considered an essential part of any choir's repertoire.

The first half included the piece Anton Bruckner considered his finest, his Te Deum, along with Brahms' Alto Rhapsody. The evening was rounded off with a performance of Mascagni's ever-popular Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana - always a fixture in the Classic FM Hall of Fame!

The choir was joined by four of today's most in demand soloists along with The Edinburgh Singers Sinfonia, comprising players from Scotland's national orchestras, all under the guidance of Musical Director, Alistair Digges.

Bruckner: Te Deum

Brahms: Alto Rhapsody

Puccini: Messa di Gloria

Mascagni: Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana

Alistair Digges: Musical Director

Catriona Clark: Soprano

Cheryl Forbes: Mezzo Soprano

David Lynn: Tenor

Piran Legg: Bass Baritone

The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to perform selected highlights from our Edinburgh concert "The Singing Heart" on our concert tour to Belgium. Our international programme of choral music centred around the theme of love, spanning hundreds of years. We started with early Scottish composer David Peebles and finished with a work from Scotland's most celebrated living composer, James MacMillan's beautiful setting of Scottish text, The Gallant Weaver.

Watch our promotional video here

For programme notes and translations click here

Saturday 6th April 2019, 3.00pm

Cathedral of St Michael & St Gudula, Brussels

Sunday 7th April 2019, 3.00pm

St Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent

Monday 8th April 2019, 12.45pm

Notre-Dame du Finistère, Brussels

Saturday 30th March 2019, 7.30pm

at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh

We start with early Scottish composer David Peebles and finish with a work from Scotland's most celebrated living composer, James MacMillan's beautiful setting of Scottish text, The Gallant Weaver.

Making up the rest of the programme is music of English tradition from Roxanna Panufnik and Bob Chilcott, as well as music from around world by Felix Mendelssohn, Gustav Holst and our continuing celebration of the ethereal works of Ēriks Ešenvalds.

Watch our promotional video here

Full programme: 

Si quis diligit me - David Peebles

God so loved the world - John Stainer

Psalm 100 (Jauchzet dem Herrn) - Felix Mendelssohn

Set me as a seal upon thine heart - William Walton 

I love my love - Gustav Holst

Mo-Li-Hua (Jasmine Flower) - Hyo-Won Woo

The Singing Heart - Bob Chilcott

Interval 

Surge, propera amica mea - Francisco Guerrero

Kyrie (from The Bavo Mass) - Andrew Wise

Salutation - Ēriks Ešenvalds

Love Endureth - Roxanna Panufnik

Let my love be heard - Jake Runestad

The Gallant Weaver - James MacMillan

Saturday 8 December 2018, 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

An evening of festive music, featuring Grieg, Rutter and Whitacre as well as a selection of traditional carols, mulled wine and mince pies in the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk.

Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, and accompanied by organist Henry Wallace and trumpeter Andrew Connell-Smith.

Saturday 3rd November 2018, 7.30pm at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' first concert of the 2018/19 season was a selection of a cappella choral classics. A highlight of the concert was a rare chance to hear a movement from a 20th century choral masterpiece - Schnittke's Choir Concerto. 

Barber: Agnus Dei

Tavener: Mother of God, here I stand

Duruflé: Quatre motets sur des thèmes Grégoriens

Schnittke: O Master of all living things

Tavener: Funeral Ikos

Tippett: Five spirituals

Saturday 16 June, 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was a performance of Elgar's epic "The Dream of Gerontius", widely regarded as his finest choral work. Conducted by Alistair Digges, the choir was joined by soloists Ben Johnson (Tenor), Katie Schofield (Mezzo-Soprano) and James Arthur (Baritone), and an orchestra of players specially assembled for the night.

The Edinburgh Singers Sinfonia:

First Violin - Justine Watts (leader), Frances Pryce, Feargus Hetherington, Gillian Risi

Second Violin - Angus Ramsay, Alex Gascoine, Kobus Frick, Jackie Norrie

Viola - Mark Braithwaite, Mary Ward, Emma Connell-Smith, Nicola Boag

Cello - Sarah Oliver, Anne Brincourt, Niamh Molloy

Double Bass - Alice Durrant, Tom Berry

Harp - Helen Thompson 

Flute - Charlotte Ashton 

Oboe - Kirstie Logan

Clarinet - Jenny Stevenson

Bassoon - Graeme Brown 

Horn - Patrick Broderick, James Goodenough 

Trumpet - Brian McGinley

Trombone - Jonathan Hollick 

Organ - Morley Whitehead

Timpani - Alasdair Kelly

Percussion - Oliver Butterworth

Saturday 17 March 2018, 7.30pm at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh

Sunday 18 March 2018, 7.30pm at Church of the Holy Rude, St John Street, Stirling

The Edinburgh Singers present a programme of heavenly a cappella music, featuring works by Talbot, Whitacre,  Ešenvalds and a world première by Edinburgh composer Chris Hutchings, specially commissioned in collaboration with Creative Scotland. Under the direction of Alistair Digges, in the stunning surroundings of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh and the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling.

Full Programme:

Cristóbal de Morales - Parce mihi Domine 

Francisco Guerrero - Ave Maria 

Tomás Luis de Victoria - O quam gloriosum 

Joby Talbot - Santiago (from 'Path of Miracles') 

Ēriks Ešenvalds - O salutaris hostia 

Chris Hutchings - I brought your name to the river

Eric Whitacre - When David Heard 

Ēriks Ešenvalds - Amazing Grace

Saturday 9 December 2017, 7.30pm qt Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

A choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk. Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, and accompanied by organist Henry Wallace and trumpeter Simon Bird, the evening featured choral Christmas favourites including Darke's In the Bleak Midwinter, Poston's Jesus Christ the Apple Tree and Howells' A Spotless Rose; works by contemporary composers Ēriks Ešenvalds, James MacMillan, Chris Hutchings and Tom Cunningham, as well as some traditional carols for all to join in. 

Download a concert programme here.

Programme:

Carol: Once in Royal David's City - Soloist: Morag Kyle

O Du Fröhliche - Traditional German carol - Soloists: Sylvia Hamilton & Aileen Boyle

Ding Dong! Merrily on High - Traditional carol arr. David Willcocks

The Coventry Carol - Kenneth Leighton - Soloist: Olivia Wollaston

In the Bleak Midwinter - Harold Darke - Soloists: Holly Carter & Pat Snowdon

Data Est Mihi Omnis Potestas - James MacMillan

Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Elizabeth Poston - Soloist: Claire Busby

Adeste Fideles - Chris Hutchings

A Spotless Rose - Herbert Howells - Soloist: Stephen Metcalfe

A Gallery Carol - John Gardner

- Interval -

Stars - Ēriks Ešenvalds

Unto Us is Born a Son - Traditional carol arr. David Willcocks

Dormi, Jesu - John Rutter

Carol: O Come All Ye Faithful

Away in a Manger - Alistair Digges - Soloist: Ellie Pilkington

Trumpet solo: The Prayer of St. Gregory - Alan Hovhaness

Sir Christèmas - Tom Cunningham

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Traditional carol arr. John Rutter

Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Love Came Down at Christmas - Richard Lloyd

Saturday 28th October 2017, 7.30pm at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

A rousing programme of choral music with organ, brass, percussion and harp. Conducted by Alistair Digges, and accompanied by organist Andrew Forbes and an ensemble of players specially assembled for the night.

Ralph Vaughan Williams - O clap your hands

Leonard Salzedo - Divertimento

Ēriks Ešenvalds - Trinity Te Deum

Ēriks Ešenvalds - Who can sail without the wind

Ēriks Ešenvalds - The earthly rose

James MacMillan - Tu es Petrus

Benjamin Britten - Fanfare for St Edmundsbury

John Rutter - Gloria

Musicians

Organ: Andrew Forbes

Harp: Calum Macleod

Trumpet: Al Douglas, Stephanie Mitchell, Lloyd Griffin, Mark James

Trombone: Lewis Bettles, Dan Eddison, Jim Bone

Tuba: James Cunningham

Percussion: Jonathan Chapman, John Glynn Forrest, David Kerr

Saturday 17th June at 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was a performance of Brahms' magnificent Requiem, prefaced by Holst's delicate Seven Part Songs. Conducted by Alistair Digges, the choir was joined by soloists Catriona Clark (Soprano) and James Arthur (Baritone), and an orchestra of players specially assembled for the night.

Sunday 26th March 2017, 7.30pm at Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh 

A programme of a cappella music celebrating the wealth of British choral music. Featuring works by British choral icons including MacMillan, Tavener, Holst, Purcell and Howells. 

Purcell - Hear my prayer

Gibbons - O clap your hands 

Pearsall - Lay a garland 

Stanford - Justorum animae 

Holst - The Evening Watch 

Parry - My soul, there is a country 

Harris - Bring us, O Lord God

Howells - Salve Regina 

Macmillan - Data est mihi omnis potestas  

Tavener - Song for Athene 

Rutter - Hymn to the creator of light 

MacMillan - Lassie, wad ye loe me?

Saturday, 10th December at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

A choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk. Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, and accompanied by organist Henry Wallace and trumpeter Bryan Allen, the evening featured choral Christmas favourites including Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium, Tavener's The Lamb, Warlock's Bethlehem Down and Stopford's Lully, Lulla, Lullay, as well as some traditional carols for all to join in.

Carol: Once in Royal David's City - Soloist Morag Kyle

The Holly and the Ivy

No Small Wonder

It came upon the midnight clear

O Magnum Mysterium

Carol: O little Town of Bethlehem

In Dulci Jubilo -  Octet Maddy Seale, Claire Busby, Elizabeth Rose, Ailis Sandilands,  Gareth Hateley,

Iain McIntyre, Don Roberts, Stephen Metcalfe

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day

Sing Lullaby!

Bogoroditse Devo

Joy to the World

- Interval -

Stille Nacht

Sir Christèmas

The Lamb

Carol: O Come all ye Faithful

Bethlehem Down

O Holy Night - Trumpet soloist Bryan Allen

Lully, Lulla, Lullay - Soloist Aileen Boyle

The twelve days of Christmas

Carol: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Saturday, November 12th 2016 at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

Sometimes known as the Rachmaninov Vespers, this setting of the eastern Orthodox vigil was one of the composer's favourites among his own works, and is widely considered to be his greatest. Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, the Edinburgh Singers performed the entirety of this breathtakingly beautiful unaccompanied piece, including both the evening Vespers and the morning Matins, in the stunning surroundings of St Mary's Cathedral.

Videos of the performance can be found on here.

Saturday 25 June 2016, 7.30pm at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers' first orchestral concert since Alistair Digges joined as Musical Director was a rare opportunity to see a performance of one of Mozart's sublime works for chorus and orchestra, the stunning Great Mass in C minor.

The choir was joined by some exceptional solo talent, including BBCSSO principal trumpet Mark O'Keeffe, as well as Catriona Clark and Megan Read (Soprano), Jamie MacDougall (Tenor) and James Arthur (Bass).

The headlining Mass was supplemented by Mozart's ever-popular gem, Ave Verum Corpus, and the evening also featured music by Haydn, with his dramatic Te Deum in C, and a real treat as Mark O'Keeffe played the Trumpet Concerto in Eb.

Haydn:  Te Deum in C

Haydn:  Trumpet Concerto in Eb

Mozart:  Ave Verum Corpus

Mozart:  Great Mass in C Minor

The Edinburgh Singers Sinfonia

First Violin - Emily Ward (Leader), Feargus Hetherington, Olivier Lemoine, Emma Bragg

Second Violin - Alice Rickards, Gongbo Jiang, Wen Wang

Viola - Rebecca Wexler, Martin Wiggins

Cello - Philip Higham, Anne Brincourt

Double Bass - Nikita Naumov

Flute - Joanna Shaw

Oboe - Stella McCracken, James Horan

Bassoon - Anthea Wood, Kath Nagl

Horn - Stephanie Jones, Ian Smith

Trumpet - Bryan Allen, Aaron Akugbo

Trombone - Nigel Cox, Paul Stone, Kyle MacCorquodale

Organ - Morley Whitehead

Timpani - Colin Hyson 

The Edinburgh Singers presented a programme of heavenly a cappella music spanning five centuries, featuring works by Tallis, Allegri, Mendelssohn, Holst and Whitacre. Under the direction of Alistair Digges.

Performed on Saturday 19 March at Old St Paul's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh, and on Sunday 20 March at the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling.

FULL PROGRAMME  

Antonio Lotti - Crucifixus
Thomas Tallis - If ye love me
William Byrd - Sing joyfully
Gregorio Allegri - Miserere
Felix Mendelssohn - Kyrie
Felix Mendelssohn - Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe
Felix Mendelssohn - Heilig
Josef Rheinberger - Abendlied
Charles Wood - Hail, gladdening light

Interval 

Dobri Hristov - Tebe Poem
Gustav Holst - Ave Maria
Stephen Paulus - Pilgrims' hymn
Henryk Górecki - Totus Tuus
Philip Stopford - Ave, Regina Caelorum
Eric Whitacre - Sleep 

Saturday, 12th December 2015 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers presented a choral celebration of Christmas at our annual Christmas at Greyfriars concert, in the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk. Under the baton of guest conductor Philip Redfern and accompanied by organist David Turner, the concert featured a range of festive pieces both old and new, including some traditional carols for all to join in. We were delighted to be joined by violinists Imogen Brewer and Melissa McDonald from St Mary's Music School.

Download the concert programme here.

FULL PROGRAMME:

Audience Carol - Once in Royal David's City (Soloist: Morag Kyle)

Away in a manger - Reginald Jacques

Sussex carol - Trad. carol arr. David Willcocks

O little one sweet - J.S. Bach

A babe is born - William Mathias

Three violin duets - Dmitri Shostakovich (Violins: Imogen Brewer and Melissa McDonald)

• I - Praeludium

• II - Gavotte

• III - Walzer

Audience Carol - O little town of Bethlehem

Joy to the world - arr. John Rutter

There is no rose - John Joubert

Sans Day carol - arr. John Rutter

Coventry carol - arr. Martin Shaw

Unto us is born a son - arr. David Willcocks

INTERVAL

In the bleak mid-winter - Harold Darke (Soloists: Aileen Boyle and Pat Snowdon)

A Hymn to the Virgin - Benjamin Britten (Octet: Catherine Siddall, Louise Wright, Alex Marks, Ailis Sandilands, Iain McIntyre, Ashton Montgomery, Stephen Metcalfe and Jonathan Wright)

The Snow - Edward Elgar (Violins: Imogen Brewer and Melissa McDonald)

My Lord has come - Will Todd

Audience Carol - O come all ye faithful

Lux Aurumque - Eric Whitacre  (Soloist: Catherine Bapty)

A maiden most gentle - Andrew Carter

Mary's lullaby - John Rutter

Audience Carol - Hark! the herald angels sing

The twelve days of Christmas - arr. John Rutter

Saturday, 14th November 2015 at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

A special collaborative concert with London's most versatile choir, London Oriana Choir. Under the direction of Alistair Digges and critically acclaimed conductor Dominic Peckham, former Musical Director of The Edinburgh Singers.

Augmented Beauty featured transcendent music from Stanford, Gibbons, Monteverdi, Ešenvalds, MacMillan, Paulus, Parry and the Scottish première of Half Moon Rising by John Winzenburg.

Download the concert programme here

FULL PROGRAMME:

The Edinburgh Singers

• Salvator Mundi - Thomas Tallis

• Cantate Domino - Claudio Monteverdi

• Phoenix : Agnus Dei - Ola Gjeilo

The London Oriana Choir

• O Clap Your Hands - Orlando Gibbons

• Duo Seraphim - Francisco Guerrero

• Ave Verum - Francis Poulenc

• The Blue Bird - Charles Villiers Stanford

• Beati Quorum Via - Charles Villiers Stanford

The London Oriana Choir and The Edinburgh Singers

• Flame - Ben Parry

INTERVAL

The London Oriana Choir and The Edinburgh Singers

• Trilo - Trad. arr. Ale Möller

The Edinburgh Singers

• Otche Nash - Nikolai Kedrov

• O Radiant Dawn - James MacMillan

• Ave Verum - Philip Stopford

The London Oriana Choir

• Immortal Bach - Knut Nystedt

• Pao Ma Liu - arr. John Winzenburg

• Xiao He Tang Shui - arr. John Winzenberg

• L'Amour De Moi - Ward Swingle

The London Oriana Choir and The Edinburgh Singers

• Only In Sleep - Ēriks Ešenvalds

• The Road Home - Stephen Paulus

• Circle Songs - arr. Dominic Peckham

Saturday, 19th September 2015 at at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to invite singers of all ages and abilities to Come and Sing Fauré's Requiem with us on Saturday 19 September 2015 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, to raise funds for CLIC Sargent. 

Starting at 11.00am, a full day of preparation workshops led by our inspirational Musical Director Alistair Digges culminated in a public performance, with organist Morley Whitehead and soloists Andrew McTaggart and Sapphire Armitage, at 7.30pm. The concert was followed by a wine reception.   

We were thrilled that this event successfully raised £1,803 for CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people, dedicated to helping them and their families to deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment.

Additional photos of the Come and Sing can be found on our Facebook page.

Download the concert programme here.

28th & 29th June 2015 in Paris

Three choral performances to celebrate 720 years of The Auld Alliance between France and Scotland, performed in Église Saint-Sulpice, The American Cathedral and La Madeleine, Paris, conducted by Alistair Digges.

Sunday 28 June 12:00

Église Saint-Sulpice, 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris

Copland, Duruflé, Hutchings, More, Thompson

with organ recital by Daniel Roth

Sunday 28th June 16:00

The American Cathedral, 23 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris

Lauridsen, Cunningham, MacMillan

Organist Andy Dewar

Monday 29 June, 12:30 Mass

La Madeleine, Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris

Byrd, Howells, Copland, Duruflé

Organist Michel Geoffrey

The Edinburgh Singers performing in Église Saint-Sulpice

Additional photos of The Edinburgh Singers Paris Tour 2015 can be found on our Facebook page.

Tom Cunningham's song cycle with lyrics by Alexander McCall Smith, heads a programme of choral music by great Scottish composers, including James MacMillan, Edward McGuire, Chris Hutchings, Martin Dalby, William More, Ken Johnston and Tommy Fowler, and featuring a newly-commissioned piece by Gordon Cree (recording available here).

Under the baton of Alistair Digges and with John Kitchen at the organ, in Old St Paul's Episcopal Church.

Download the concert programme here.

Tota Pulchra Es - James MacMillan

A New Song   - James MacMillan

O Vos Omnes - Chris Hutchings

Contemplator Celestium - Martin Dalby

Mater salutaris - Martin Dalby

O Make Me a Channel of Your Peace - William More

Song for St Cecilia - Ken Johnston

INTERVAL

Three Reflections - Edward McGuire

   1) Let It Be Forgotten

   2) Alone

   3) Heaven-Haven (A nun takes the veil)

Life's rejoicing   - Tommy Fowler

Scotland at Night - Tom Cunningham

   1) Dusk

   2) Refinery in the Darkness

   3) Ceilidh

   4) Simmer Dim in Shetland

   5) Trout Loch

   6) Lullaby

The Gallant Weaver - James MacMillan

Scottish Blessing - Gordon Cree

Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Edinburgh Singers presented a choral celebration of Christmas at our annual Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk.

"Christmas at Greyfriars", with Henry Wallace at the organ, under the baton of John Gormley. Featuring well-known seasonal favourites as well as some less familiar Christmas pieces. Carols, mulled wine and mince pies in the surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk.

Intro

  Nowell, Nowell (Sir Christèmas) - Matthias

Set 1  Prophesy

  Adam lay ybounden - Warlock   (Soprano: Claire Claymore)

  A Virgin Most Pure - arr. Cleobury 

  The Sussex Carol - arr. Willcocks

Audience Carol 1 - O Little Town of Bethlehem

Set 2 - The Annunciation   

  Gabriel's Message - arr Willcocks 

  A Spotless Rose - Howells - Solo: David Leaver

  There is no Rose - Wilson     

  The Lamb - Tavener 

Audience Carol 2 - Hark the Herald Angels Sing 

Set 3 - The Birth 

  Hodie Christus natus est - Marenzio  

  O magnum mysterium - A. Gabrielli   

  In Dulci Jubilo a8 - Praetorius   

INTERVAL

Set 4   The Kings 

  The three Kings - Cornelius arr. Atkins - Solo: Mark Woods

  Here is the Little door - Howells    

  Lullaby my sweet little baby - Byrd  Quintet: Louise Wright, Lucy Metcalfe, Ailis Sandilands, Iain McIntyre, Stephen Metcalfe 

Audience Carol 3 -  We Three Kings 

Set 5   Beyond the birth 

  Torches - Joubert  

  Joys Seven - Cleobury 

  Tomorrow shall be my dancing day - Gardner  

Audience Carol 4 - Once in Royal David's City 

Coda

  What sweeter music - Rutter 

Saturday, 4th October, 2014

On 4th October, in Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk, the Edinburgh Singers present Chants Sacrés, a concert for autumn, with Morley Whitehead at the organ, under the baton of John Gormley

Widor: Messe à deux choeurs et deux orgues, Op.36

Duruflé: Quatre Motets sur des Thêmes Gregoriens

Poulenc: Litanies A La Vierge Noire

Poulenc: Prières de Saint Françoise d'Assise

Fauré: Messe basse

Fauré: Cantique De Jean Racine

Widor: Tantum Ergo

A review for this concert can be found here.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

In Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk at 7pm, The Edinburgh Singers present a Summer Concert of Music with Justin Nash at the piano, under the Musical Direction of John Gormley, and featuring:

• Palestrina Missa Papae Marcelli

• Mozart Ave Verum Corpus

• Elgar From the Bavarian Highlands

In the 40th year after the Pinochet coup, The Edinburgh Singers will be performing Cantos Sagrados, a moving and thought-provoking song cycle about political repression in Latin America.

This masterpiece by Scotland's greatest composer James MacMillan, sets three poems by Ariel Dorfman and Ana Maria Mendoza; on "the disappeared", on summary executions, and on the continuing plight of tribal peoples.

The programme will continue with Howells: Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing (an elegy on the assassination of President Kennedy), and Finzi: Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice, (an anthem to redemptive love, written at the end of the Second World War), concluding with Kodály's beautiful and inspiring Missa Brevis, again written at the end of the War.

St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Lothian Road, under the baton of John Gormley and with John Kitchen at the organ.

Saturday 14th December 2013, 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Singers, directed by John Gormley, with Henry Wallace at the organ, and a brass band assembled by Tom Poulson, present an evening of festive music, featuring John Rutter's "Gloria" along with well-known seasonal favourites and some less familiar music to the sound of Organ and Brass.

A review of this concert can be found here

Rutter Te Deum

Carol:The first Nowell arr. D. Willcocks

Praetorius Puer Natus in Bethlehem arr. J. Gormley

       Soprano: Elizabeth McColl

       Alto: Nicola Stock

       Bass: Mark Woods

Carol:While shepherds watched their flocks arr.D.Willcocks

Rutter Gloria

       Soprani: Catherine Siddall and Aileen Boyle

       Alto: Ailis Sandilands

INTERVAL (with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies)

Carol:Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with fanfare) arr. D. Willcocks

Poulenc: Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël

        1. O Magnum Mysterium

        2. Quem vidistis pastores dicite

        3. Videntes stellam

        4. Hodie Christus natus est

Carol:God rest you merry, gentlemen arr. D. Willcocks

John Tavener Hymn to the Mother of God

Chris Hutchings Balulalow

        Soprano: Claire Claymore

        Bass: Pat Snowdon

Chris Hutchings In the Bleak Midwinter 

Carol:O come, all ye faithful (with fanfare) arr. D. Willcocks

Tormé The Christmas Song arr. P. Knight 

Featuring:The Brass Diversions Ensemble:

         Trumpets - Bryan Allen, Simon Bird, Mark O'Keefe, Tom Poulson

         Trombones - Chris Mansfield, Cillian O'Ceallachian

         Bass Trombone - Tom Smith

         Tuba - Kenneth Brown

         Timpani - Ruari Donaldson

             Percussion - Phil Hague, Amy Murch

5th October 2013 7.00pm at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk.

A review of this concert can be found here.

Vaughan Williams 3 Shakespeare Songs
      1. Full Fathom Five (The Tempest, Act 1 scene 2)
      2. The Cloud-Capp'd Towers (The Tempest, Act IV scene 1)
      3.  Over Hill, Over Dale (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act II scene 1)

Finzi 7 Unaccompanied Partsongs
      1. I praise the tender flower
      2. I have loved flowers that fade
      3. My spirit sang all day
      4. Clear and gentle stream
      5. Nightingales
      6. Haste on, my joys!
      7. Wherefore to-night so full of care

INTERVAL

Elgar 3 Part-Songs, Op. 18   

       1. O Happy Eyes
          2. Love
      3. My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land

Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzer (with four-hands-on-a-piano accompaniment)

Saturday 25th May 2013, 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Following their sell-out Christmas performance of Bach's Magnificat, The Edinburgh Singers return to Greyfriars to present their summer concert featuring music by Haydn and Mozart. Haydn's Nelson Mass encapsulates the drama of Napoleonic warfare, culminating in Nelson's heroic victory at the Battle of the Nile. This is contrasted with Mozart's final work for Cathedral liturgy, the melodic and tranquil Solemn Vespers. Featuring professional soloists and full orchestra.

Musical Director: John Gormley

Mozart Soloists:                                            

    Sopranos Judith Gardner Jones, Aileen Boyle, Joanne Dunwell

     Mezzo Catherine Dunlop

    Tenors David Leaver, Keith Main

    Baritone Jonathan Wright

Haydn Soloists:

     Soprano Judith Gardner Jones

     Mezzo Taylor Wilson

     Tenor Chris Elliott

     Baritone Anders Östberg

Orchestra: Organised by Iain McLarty

Organ - Jeremy Cull
Violin - Lauren Clay, Laura Horn, Julia Lungu, Heather Kennedy, Jennifer Nicholson
Cello - Gillian Dainty, Justny Jabconska
Timps - Euan Fairbairn
Double Bass - Ed Lucas
Bassoon - Anna Mary Lynch
Trumpet - Tom Poulson, Bede Williams, Vicky Williams
Viola - Alistair Mailer
Trombone - Paul Stone, Alex Trotter, Josiah Walters

• Sopranos:
  Aileen Boyle, Joanne Dunwell, Sarah Gore, Sylvia Hamilton, Gillian Mitchell, Jo Richards, Julia Sanders, Catherine Siddall, Anna Skinner, Jean Waddie, Zoë Westwood

• Tenors:
  Seth Armitage, Adria Bargues, David Cameron, Jim Gilchrist, Bob Gould, David Leaver, Simon Maclaren, Keith Main, Iain McIntyre, Justin Nash, Geoff Waters

• Altos:
  Shona Banks, Catherine Dunlop, Fiona Easton, Sarah Farnworth, Alex Marks, Alison Preston, Isobel Ramsay, Ailis Sandilands, Harriet Skipworth, Nicola Stock

• Basses:
  Martin Boyle, Lyn Jones, Ed Jupp, Tom Macintyre, Sean McBride-Stewart, David Pudney, Don Roberts, Bruce Royan, Martin Tolley, Mark Woods, Jonathan Wright

Sunday 28th April 2013 at Crammond Kirk, Edinburgh

From Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of explorer and missionary David Livingstone. With the Kirk Choir and the Edinburgh Singers, conducted by John Gormley. Organist: Ian Macpherson. Service led by Judy Arrowsmith and the Minister Rev Dr Russell Barr.

INTROIT: Lord, give me faith (Kathleen Robson)

HYMN: God whose almighty Word

ANTHEM: There's a wideness in God's mercy (Corvedale): Maurice Bevan 

HYMN: I to the hills

HYMN: For everyone born a place at the table

HYMN: Ye servants of God

Saturday 15th December 2012, 7.30pm at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers present an evening of festive music, featuring Bach's 'Magnificat' and a selection of traditional carols.

Musical Director: John Gormley

Organist: Morley Whitehead

Orchestra Organised by Iain McLarty:

Flute - Yvonne Paterson, Lee Holland

Oboe - Julian Appleyard, Morven Bell

Bassoon - Anna Mary Lynch

Trumpet - Caroline Farren, Vicky Williams, Alex Priestley

Timpani - Euan Fairbairn

Violin - Roddy Long, Kate Miguda, Heather Kennedy, Daniel Paterson, Jonathan McBride, Lauren Clay

Viola - Liz Ford, Alison Lucas

Cello - Robin Mason, Andrew Huggan

Double Bass - Eddie Lucas

*****

Johann Sebastian Bach Magnificat in D (BWV 243)

     'Et Exsultavit' (sop 2), Sylvia Hamilton

     'Quia Respexit' (sop 1), Catherine Siddall

     'Quia Fecit' (bass), Jonathan Wright

     'Et Misericordia' (alto / tenor), Nicola Stock and Keith Main

     'Deposuit Potentes' (tenor), David Leaver

     'Esurientes' (alto), Catherine Dunlop

     'Suscepit Israel' (sop 1 + 2 / alto), Clare Claymore, Gillian Mitchell, Ailis Sandilands and Shona Banks

---INTERVAL---

Mathias Sir Christèmas

Rutter Nativity Carol

Arr.Willcocks Tomorrow shall be my Dancing Day

     (soprano): Julia Sanders

Wade arr. Willcocks O Come all ye Faithful

Rutter Shepherds' Pipe Carol

Terry Myn Lyking

Arr.Willcocks Ding Ding Merrily on High!

Arr. Willcocks God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen

Arr. Holst Personent Hodie

Arr. Willcocks Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agréable?

     (bass): Pat Snowdon

Arr. Leighton Lully, Lulla, thou little tiny Child

     (soprano): Aileen Boyle 

Mendelssohn arr. Willcocks Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium

Saturday 3rd November 2012 at Greyfriars Kirk.

The Edinburgh Singers, directed by John Gormley and with Henry Wallace at the organ, present Langlais' Messe Solenelle and Triptyque, and Fauré's Requiem.

This contrasting programme showcases the versatility of both the choir and the magnificent Peter Collins organ.

Jean Langlais Messe Solennelle

Jean Langlais Triptyque

                     Henry Wallace Organ Solo

Gabriel Fauré Requiem

                     Mark Woods Baritone (Offertory)

                     Aileen Boyle Soprano (Pié Jesu)

                     Pat Snowdon Baritone (Libera Me)

Saturday 23rd June 2012 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices and Mass Propers for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and Vivaldi's Gloria.

Musical Director John Gormley

Violin Emma Lloyd

Violin Kate Miguda

Cello Duncan Strachan

Double Bass Ben Williams

Trumpet Tom Poulson

Oboe Julian Appleyard

Continuo Michael Harris

*****

William Byrd Mass for four voices (Semichorus: Joanne Dunwell, Julia Sanders, Sophie Brown, Harriet Skipworth, David Leaver, Justin Nash, Mark Woods, Jonathan Wright)

William Byrd Tu Es Petrus

David Peebles Descendi in Hortum Meum

William Byrd Constitues Eos Principes (Semichorus: Joanne Dunwell, Julia Sanders, Anna Skinner, Sophie Brown, Harriet Skipworth)

David Peebles Si Quis Diliget Me

Antonio Vivaldi Gloria (Soloists: Claire Claymore, Sylvia Hamilton, Aileen Boyle, Catherine Dunlop)

Monday 4th June 2012 on the steps of the Usher Hall, Edinburgh

A celebration of 60 years of The Edinburgh Singers, linked with the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen of Scots, singing Elgar part-songs on the steps of the Usher Hall.

Musical Director John Gormley

Piano accompanist Justin Nash

17th March 2012 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

A celebration of Spring in the, Lothian Road: and a tea-time concert.

Musical Director John Gormley

Piano Justin Nash

*****

Sir Edward Elgar From the Bavarian Highlands

E J Moeran  Songs of Springtime

Sir Edward Elgar 4 Part Songs (Op 53)

C V Stanford The Bluebird 

17th December 2011 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers presented their Christmas Concert in the beautiful Church of St Cuthbert's Lothian Road.

Musical Director: John Gormley

Organist: Morley Whitehead

*****

Mendelssohn Weihnachten

Gauntlett / Mann (descant Gormley) Once in Royal David's City (Soloist: Aileen Boyle)

Arr. Willcocks Angelus ad Virginem

Poston Jesus Christ the Apple Tree (Soloist: Joanne Dunwell)

Arr. Wood A Virgin Most Pure

Arr. Sargent Zither Carol

Arr. Willcocks The First Nowell

Handl Resonet in Laudibus

Hassler Angelus ad Pastores Ait (Soloists: Aileen Boyle, Joanne Dunwell, Sophie Brown, Catherine Dunlop, Alex Marks, Ailis Sandilands, Davis Leaver, Justin Nash)

Praetorius Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen

Praetorius In natali domini 

Schütz Ein Kind ist uns geboren 

Arr. Praetorius Good Christians all rejoice

Mathias A Babe is Born 

Arr. Willcocks Sussex Carol 

R R Terry Myn Lyking 

Leontovych / Wilhousky Carol of the Bells 

Joubert Torches 

Arr. Willcocks Good King Wenceslas 

Thomas Wilson There is no rose 

Judith Weir Illuminare 

Whitacre Lux Aurumque (Soloist: Aileen Boyle) 

Arr. Willcocks God rest ye merry, gentlemen 

Cornelius (arr. Atkins) The Three Kings (Soloist: Jonathan Wright) 

R R Bennett What sweeter music 

Arr. Gormley Coventry Carol 

Darke In the bleak mid-winter (Soloists: Claire Claymore, David Leaver)

Arr. Willcocks  Hark! The herald angels sing 

Arr. Arthur Warrell We wish you a merry Christmas

17th June 2011

The Edinburgh Singers present an event of popular Baroque and Classical music with Handel's Coronation Anthems (featuring the thrilling Zadoc the Priest), Dixit Dominus and Haydn's Little Organ Mass. Director of Music: John Gormley. Pieces performed with orchestra.

George Frideric Handel Coronation Anthems:

    Let thy hand be strengthened HWV259

    My heart is inditing HWV261

    Zadok the Priest HWV 258

    The King Shall Rejoice HWV 260

                       Soprano Claire Claymore

                       Alto Jenny Rice-Jones

                       Tenor David Leaver

                       Bass Mark Woods

(Franz) Joseph Haydn Mass No 7 in B flat, 'Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo' (Little Organ Mass) HobXXII/7

                        Organist Morley Whitehead

                        Soprano Catherine Siddall

George Frideric Handel Dixit Dominus HWV 232

       Dixit Dominus

                        Soprano Aileen Boyle

                        Alto Margaret Hartley

                        Tenor Keith Main

       Virgam Virtutis

                        Alto Catherine Dunlop

       Tecum Principium

                        Soprano Aileen Boyle

       Juravit Dominus

       Tu es Sacerdos

       Dominus a Dextris Tuis

                         Sopranos Catherine Siddall & Aileen Boyle

                         Alto Liz Fuggle

                         Tenor David Leaver

                         Bass Jonathan Wright

       Judicabit in Nationibus

       De Torrente in via Bibet

                           Sopranos Sylvia Hamilton & Claire Claymore

       Gloria Patri

                          Sopranos Catherine Siddall & Aileen Boyle 

                       Tenor Keith Main 

2nd April 2011 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh.

The superb setting of the Requiem Mass by organist and composer Maurice Duruflé. He mixes Gregorian chant and splendid harmonies, to make what is without doubt, one of the most moving religious works from the 20th Century. In St Cuthbert's Church.

Musical Director John Gormley

Organist: Henry Wallace

Cellist: Feargus Egan

Tenor: Rory Wilson

Mezzo: Catherine Dunlop

Baritone: Jonathan Wright

*****

Leighton, Kenneth  Crucifixus pro Nobis 

Duruflé Requiem (Opus 9)

Saturday 11th December 2010 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh.

Musical Director - John Gormley

Organist - Henry Wallace

*****

Once in Royal David's City (Soloist: Aileen Boyle)

Sweenlinck Hodie Christus Natus Est

Arr. Willcocks Gabriel's Message

Guerrero Canite Tuba

Andrea Gabrielli Magnificat

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Arr. Wood Past Three a Clock

Arr. Willcocks Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Arr. Shaw Coventry Carol

Arr Jacques Rejoice and be Merry

The First Nowell

Arr Gormley Orientis Partibus

Praetorius Psallite unigenito

Arr. Gormley Riu, Riu, Chiu (Soloist: Jonathan Wright)

Arr.Gormley Gaudete (Soloist: Sean MacBride-Stuart)

Trad. C15 Sing We to this Merry Company (Soloists: Catherine Siddall, Rory Wilson)

Ding Dong Merrily on High

Good King Wenceslas

Arr. Willcocks Hush! My Dear, Lie Still and Slumber

Arr. Willcocks I Saw Three Ships

Arr. Pearsall In Dulci Jubilo (Soloists: Aileen Boyle, Catherine Siddall, Jenny Rice-Jones, Ailis Sandilands, Keith Main, Rory Wilson, Jonathan Wright, Mark Woods)

Adam O Holy Night (Soloist: Claire Claymore)

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

Walton All This Time

Walton What Cheer?

Walton King Herod and the Clock

Walton Make We Our Joy Now in this Fest

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Arr. Arthur Warrell A Merry Christmas

Sunday 28th November 2010 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

A Vision for City People. The first of our series of services for Advent which visits 4 cities across the nations of the United Kingdom exploring the meaning of incarnation in daily city life. Live from Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, with Greyfriars Choir and the Edinburgh Singers.

Led by the Rev Ruth Halley.

Preacher: The Minister, the Rev Richard Frazer.

Musical Director: John Gormley.

Organist: Henry Wallace

Producer: Mo McCullough

Readings: Isaiah 2: 1-5

            1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11

Hymns:    O Come, O Come Emmanuel

               Lo! He comes with clouds descending (Helmsley)

               People Look East (Besancon)

               I will always bless the Lord (Ps 34) (Taladh Chriosta)

Anthem:   O thou the central orb (Wood)

Saturday 26th June 2010 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The award-winning Edinburgh Singers present the music of some of the 20th century's greatest composers with a series of unaccompanied works in the beautiful setting of Greyfriars Kirk.

Musical Director John Gormley

Soprano Aileen Boyle

Alto Lizz Fuggle

Tenor Keith Main

Tenor Rory Wilson

Baritone Jonathan Wright

*****

Parry, Hubert  Songs of Farewell

Howells, Herbert  Requiem

Rheinberger, Josef Gabriel   Mass in E flat Major

Saturday 27th March 2010 at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh

A concert of 20th-century sacred works at St Mary's Cathedral.

Musical Director: John Gormley

Organist: David Hamilton

Guest Baritone Soloist: Jonathan Sedgewick 

Semichorus: Claire Blake, Claire Claymore, Valerie Wiersma, Jenny Rice-Jones, Keith Main, and Mark Woods

*****

Parry, Hubert I was Glad

Vierne, Louis Messe Solennelle in C Sharp Minor

Walton, William The Twelve

Williams, Vaughn  Five Mystical Songs

Saturday 19th December 2009 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The award-winning Edinburgh Singers present their annual Christmas concert from St Cuthbert's Church in the heart of Edinburgh with a programme featuring music from Howells, Lauridsen and Poulenc, as well as traditional festive song and carols. An enchanting evening of beautiful music; come and explore the mystery of Christmas. Director of Music: John Gormley, Organist: Morley Whitehead

Wishart Alleluya, A new work

Trad. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Victoria O Magnum Mysterium

Anon. Arr. Kenneth Elliot Nou Lat Us Sing

Johnson Gaude Maria Virgo

Anon. Arr. Kenneth Elliot Ecce Novum Gaudium

Leontovich Carol of the Bells

Matthias Sir Christemas

Trad. Good King Wenceslas

Poulenc O Magnum Mysterium

Poulenc Hodie Christus natus est

Leighton, Kenneth Lully, Lulla

Britten A Hymn to the Virgin

Trad. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

Trad. Arr. Reginald Jacques  Rejoice and be Merry

Bach O Little One Sweet

Trad. Arr. Charles Wood Past Three a Clock

Trad. Ding Dong Merrily on High

Howells A Spotless Rose

Howells Here is the Little Door

Howells Sing Lullaby

Mendelssohn Hark the Herald Angel Sing

Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium

The Choir also performed part of this repertoire at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Sunday 12th June 2009 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

From Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, the French reforming theologian whose influence led to Scotland being called a Calvinist country.

With Greyfriars Church Choir and the Edinburgh Singers, conducted by John Gormley. Organist: Henry Wallace

Saturday 27th June 2009 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Singers present Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio Elijah, in the beautiful setting of Greyfriar's Kirk, Edinburgh. Featuring soloists from Scottish Opera and Opera North and players from the RSNO and BBCSCO

Musical Director - John Gormley

Organist -Stuart Campbell

Soprano - Emma Harper

Alto - Jemma Brown

Tenor - Paul Featherstone

Bass - Jonathan Sedgwick

Youth - Ruby Dayan

Angelic Chorus - Glasgow University Madrigirls

Quartet - Claire Spencer, Margaret Hartley, Keith Main, and Mark Woods

*****

Violin - Roger Foxwell

Violin - Nigel Mason

Violin - Gillian Risi

Violin - Andrew Martin

Violin - Sophie Lang

Violin - Alice Richards

Violin - Susan Henderson

Violin - Christopher Foulkes

Violin - Anna Hansen

Violin - Alex Gascoine

Violin - Lillian Potter

Viola - Susan Harris

Viola - David McCreadie

Viola - Andrew Berridge

Viola - David Martin

Cello - Jeremy Fletcher

Cello - Sarah Nelson

Cello - Sharon Molloy

Cello - Angela Welsh

Double Bass - Sally Davis

Double Bass - May Haliburton

Flute - Andrea Kuypers

Flute - Janet Larsson

Oboe - Emmanuel Laville

Oboe - Zoe Kitson

Clarinet - Andrew Langford

Clarinet - Nicola Lang

Bassoon - Grant Mackay

Basson - Clara Scuse

Horns - Fergus Kerr

Horns - Kenneth Blackwood

Horns - Steven Cowling

Horns - Timothy Hunter

Trumpet - Iain Muirhead

Trumpet - Caroline Tenent

Trumbone - Bryan Free

Trumbone - John Fishwick

Trumbone - Marion Brackpool

Tuba - Phillip Hore

Timpani - Euan Fairburn

10th May 2009 at St Michael's, Linlithgow

The Scottish Bible Society is celebrating its bicentenary, and joined the congregation of St Michael's Linlithgow, Sally Magnusson, and the Edinburgh Singers, to celebrate.

Light on our Path, a Lamp about our Way

Specially written by Bishop Timothy Dudley Smith for the SBS bicentenary

Tune: Highland Cathedral Uli Roever and Michael Korb arranged by Paul Leddington Wright

Performers: Edinburgh Singers

Saturday 28th March 2009 at the Caird Hall, Dundee

Sunday 29th March 2009 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh

The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is the final complete symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. On Saturday 28th March 2009 in the Caird Hall, Dundee, and Sunday 29th March 2009 in St Cuthbert's Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Singers collaborated with the Dundee Symphony Orchestra to perform this sublime work. The full programme was:

Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 100 "Military"

Ralph Vaughan Williams - Ca' the Yowes

Ralph Vaughan Williams - Ward the Pirate

Ralph Vaughan Williams - The Turtle Dove

Ralph Vaughan Williams - Early in the Spring

Ralph Vaughan Williams - Loch Lomond

Ralph Vaughan Williams - Serenade to Music

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

Soprano: Christina Dunwoodie

Alto: Jennifer McEwan

Tenor: Paul Featherstone

Bass: Gordon Cowie

Conductor: Robert Dick

Musical Director: Catherine Fish

Leader: Barbara Geller

Saturday 13th December 2008 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Greyfriars Kirk plays host to a concert of traditional and modern seasonal music. With Organist Morley Whitehead.

Catherine Fish Musical Director

Morley Whitehead Organist

Gilmour MacLeod Piano

Ross Milligan Guitar

Ian Ryan Harpsichord

Allie Young Percussion

*****

Parry Welcome Yule!

Praetorius En Natus est Emmanuel

Trad Come all ye Faithful

Howells Here is the Little Door

Mathias A Babe is Born

Poulenc Quatre motets pour le Temps de Noel

Rutter What Sweeter Music

Trad O Little Town of Bethlehem

Trad Ding Dong Merrily on High

Trad arr. Rathbone Gabriel's Message

Rathbone Hear the Angel Sing

Bullard Scots Nativity

Hubbard No Wind at the Window

Trad Hark the Herald Angel Sing

Ramirez Navidad Nuestra

Trad arr. Rutter 12 Days of Christmas

Sunday 30th November 2008 at St Michael's, Linlithgow

For Advent Sunday Sally Magnusson visits Linlithgow, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, who was baptised in St Michael's Church. Music includes Advent favourites O Come O Come Emmanuel, Tell Out My Soul, and Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending, with performances by The Edinburgh Singers of Bach's 'Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring', John Rutter's 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You', and 'Gabriel's Message for Advent'.

Sunday 9th November 2008 at Morningside Parish Church, Edinburgh

Remembrance Service, broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland: presented by Kevin Franz in Morningside Parish Church, Edinburgh. With the Edinburgh Singers directed by Catherine Fish. Organist: Morley Whitehead.

Opening organ music: Composer Charles MacPherson. Part V, from A Little Organ Book in memory of Hubert Parry, published by Dean & Son, The Year Book Press.

Hymn 1: O God our help in ages past (Tune: St Anne)

Solo voice after Minute's Silence: 'Floo'ers o' the Forest' sung by Catherine Fish

Hymn 2: O God of earth and altar (Tune: King's Lynn) Words by G K Chesterton, Tune - English traditional arranged by Vaughan Williams

'Sleep' by Eric Whitacre, Published by Walton Music (www.waltonmusic.com)