Past Concerts
This Shining Night
26th October 2024
The Edinburgh Singers performed an evening of music celebrating historical themes in contemporary musical settings with accompanying saxophone, double bass and piano.
Saturday 26th October 2024, 7:30pm
Parish Church of St Cuthbert's, Lothian Road, Edinburgh
An evening of music celebrating historical themes in contemporary musical settings, featuring a glorious range of works from Whitacre, Lauridsen and Gjeilo to Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Conductor - Alastair Digges
Saxophone - Euan Kemp
Double Bass - May Halyburton
Piano - Andrew Brown
Sponsored by Vermilion - the Smile Experts
Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle
15th June 2024
The Edinburgh Singers performed Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle to close its 2023/24 season.
Saturday 15th June 2024, 7:30pm
St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh
The choir performed Rossini's "little solemn mass", a masterful choral work that blends solemnity and grace with operatic flair. Composed late in Rossini's career, this popular choral work surprises with its delicate melodies and intricate harmonies.
The performance which brought the Choir's 2023/24 season to a close, was accompanied by piano and accordion in the sublime acoustic of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Conductor: Alistair Digges
Piano: José Javier Ucendo
Accordion: Ryan Corbett
Soprano: Monica McGhee
Mezzo-Soprano: Penelope Cousland
Tenor: Cameron Mitchell
Baritone: Christopher Nairne
Path of Miracles
23rd March 2024
The Edinburgh SIngers performed one of the greatest choral works of the 21st century, Joby Talbot’s glorious 17-part a capella masterpiece Path of Miracles.
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
Christmas at Greyfriars
9th December 2023
The Edinburgh Singers' annual choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk.
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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
Handel's Messiah
28th October 2023
The Edinburgh Singers opened their 2023/24 season with a performance of one of the greatest and most memorable choral works, Handel's Messiah.
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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
Mendelssohn's Elijah
17th June 2023
The Edinburgh Singers finished their 2022/23 season with a performance of the 19th century's most enduring oratorio, Elijah.
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!
Spain's Golden Age
11th March 2023
The Edinburgh Singers celebrate the Spanish Golden Age and its influence with glorious choral music including works by Victoria, Ginastera and MacMillan.
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.
Christmas at Greyfriars 2022
10th December 2022
The Edinburgh Singers' annual choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk.
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.
Duruflé Requiem
29th October 2022
The Edinburgh Singers returned to St Cuthbert's Parish Church with a performance of Duruflé's Requiem.
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).
Women Composers Festival
9th July 2022
The Edinburgh Singers joined London Oriana Choir, the Southern Spirit Singers and Archer Academy for a celebration of music by women composers at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London.
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
Howells & Vaughan Williams
11th June 2022
The Edinburgh Singers 70th Anniversary summer concert in the atmospheric surroundings of Greyfriars Kirk.
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.
Sing Joyfully
19th March 2022
The Edinburgh Singers celebrated our 70th anniversary with a selection of favourite a cappella choral works spanning 500 years, from Byrd to Ešenvalds, and premiere our newly commissioned piece by award-winning Scottish composer Aileen Sweeney.
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
Christmas at Greyfriars 2021
11th December 2021
The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to return to the historic Greyfriars Kirk for a choral celebration of Christmas.
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
Rheinberger Mass for Double Choir
25th September 2021
Rheinberger's most famous choral work, the Mass for double choir in E flat, performed in the glorious acoustic of St Mary's Cathedral.
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
Give Peace - our fundraising video for CLIC Sargent
2nd April 2021
We were delighted to fundraise in Easter 2021 for CLIC Sargent.
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
Deck the Hall - our fundraising video for Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity
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.
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
Christmas at Greyfriars 2019
14th December 2019
The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to return to the historic Greyfriars Kirk for a choral celebration of Christmas.
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
Immortal Bach
2nd November 2019
This Edinburgh Singers concert was performed in the atmospheric St Mary's Cathedral, providing a rich acoustic for music of such depth.
Saturday 2nd November at 7.30pm
St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh
The focus of our concert was Bach - JS Bach, for chorus and for cello along with other members of the Bach family as well as Bach as reimagined by Knut Nystedt, in the piece which gives us our concert title - "Immortal Bach". We also presented Sir John Tavener's emotionally charged "Svyati", and brought our concert to a stunning close with Ēriks Ešenvalds' "In Paradisum".
The choir was thrilled that renowned cellist Su-a Lee joined us to start our new season of concerts. After graduating from the Julliard School, Seoul-born Su-a moved to Scotland to take up the role of Assistant Principal Cello with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, a position she continues to hold. She is also very much in demand as a soloist and chamber music performer of extraordinary variety. We are very pleased that Su-a's Scottish Chamber Orchestra colleague, Brian Schiele joined us for our final work.
The concert was performed in the atmospheric St Mary's Cathedral, providing a rich acoustic for music of such depth.
Download the full concert programme here
Johann Sebastian Bach Suite No.1 for solo cello (BWV 1007)
Prélude
Chorale: Jesu, meine Freude (JS Bach)
Allemande
Chorale: Ach Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein (JS Bach)
Courante
Aria: Es ist nun aus mit meinem Leben (JC Bach)
Sarabande
Chorale: Es ist genug (JS Bach)
Menuet 1, Menuet 2
Geistliche Lied: Gross ist der Herr (CPE Bach)
Gigue
Interval
Knut Nystedt Immortal Bach
John Tavener Svyati (O Holy One) Cello soloist: Su-a Lee
Ēriks Ešenvalds In Paradisum Cello soloist: Su-a Lee; Viola soloist: Brian Schiele
Puccini's Messa di Gloria
15th June 2019
The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was an orchestral concert of late romantic masterpieces.
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 Singing Heart - Belgium Tour
6th - 8th April 2019
The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to perform selected highlights from our Edinburgh concert "The Singing Heart" on our concert tour to Belgium.
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
The Singing Heart
30th March 2019
The Edinburgh Singers present a programme of choral music centred around the theme of love spanning hundreds of years.
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
Edinburgh Official Chinese New Year Concert
9th February 2019
Asian Association of Commerce, Culture and Education in Europe was once again honoured to present the Chinese New Year Concert in the Usher Hall on Saturday 9th February 2019.
Saturday 9th February 2019
at Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Asian Association of Commerce, Culture and Education in Europe was once again honoured to present the Chinese New Year Concert in the Usher Hall on Saturday 9th February 2019. The Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival, was celebrated on stage by the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Edinburgh Singers, and many outstanding artists and soloists from China and home.
The concert involved instrumental performances and vocal virtuoso. The Chinese folk pieces such as Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) and Blooming Flowers and Full Moon (花好月圆) chosen for this occasion are renowned and traditional, and combined with the orchestration of western music traditions, creating an experience of multicultural voyage in your mind. Apart from the Chinese folk classics, we also had a few favourites from the western classical repertoire along with some contemporary such as Bob Chilcott and James MacMillan. A choreography was also put together for young dancers to dance to the live orchestra playing the well-loved Blue Danube. The spectacle delighted the senses audibly and visually. This unforgettable night of beautiful music finished with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne never heard before.
Christmas at Greyfriars 2018
8th December 2018
The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to return to the historic Greyfriars Kirk for a choral celebration of Christmas.
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.
Agnus Dei
3rd November 2018
The Edinburgh Singers' first concert of the 2018/19 season was a selection of a cappella choral classics.
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
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
16th June 2018
The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was a performance of Elgar's epic "The Dream of Gerontius".
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
Amazing Grace
17th & 18th March 2018
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.
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
Christmas at Greyfriars 2017
9th December 2017
A choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk. Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges.
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
Fanfare
28th October 2017
A rousing programme of choral music with organ, brass, percussion and harp.
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
Brahms - A German Requiem
17th June 2017
The Edinburgh Singers' season finale was a performance of Brahms' magnificent Requiem.
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.
British Choral Icons - Berlin Tour
2nd April 2017
The Edinburgh Singers toured to Berlin.
Sunday 2 April 2017 at 5.00pm
Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche
Wisbyer Str. 7, 10439 Berlin
Monday 3 April 2017 at 7.00pm
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
A video of our performance in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church can be found here.
British Choral Icons
26th March 2017
A programme of a cappella music celebrating the wealth of British choral music.
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?
Christmas at Greyfriars 2016
10th December 2016
A choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk.
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
Rachmaninov All-Night Vigil
12th November 2016
Under the baton of Musical Director Alistair Digges, the Edinburgh Singers performed the entirety of this breathtakingly beautiful unaccompanied piece.
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.
Mozart Great Mass in C Minor
25th June 2016
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.
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
Hail, gladdening light
19th March 2016
The Edinburgh Singers presented a programme of heavenly a cappella music spanning five centuries.
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
Christmas at Greyfriars 2015
12th December 2015
The Edinburgh Singers presented a choral celebration of Christmas at our annual Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirk.
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
Augmented Beauty: a concert with London Oriana Choir
14th November 2015
A special collaborative concert with London's most versatile choir, London Oriana Choir.
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
Come and Sing - Fauré's Requiem
19th September 2015
The Edinburgh Singers were delighted to invite singers of all ages and abilities to Come and Sing Fauré's Requiem.
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.
La Nouvelle Alliance - Paris Tour
28th & 29th June 2015
Three choral performances to celebrate 720 years of The Auld Alliance between France and Scotland.
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.
Scotland at Night
13th June 2015
A programme of choral music by great Scottish composers.
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
Made in America
18th April 2015
Alistair Digges' debut as Musical Director of The Edinburgh Singers.
Alistair Digges' debut as Musical Director, with American Baritone Whitaker Mills, Organist Morley Whitehead and pianist Justin Nash at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh.
Four Motets - Aaron Copland (Soloists: Aileen Boyle, Catherine Dunlop, Seth Armitage & Stephen Metcalfe)
I. Help Us, O Lord
II. Thou, O Johovah, Abideth Forever
III. Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord
IV. Sing Ye Praises to Our King
Lux Aeterna - Morten Lauridsen
Alleluia - Randall Thompson
Concert Variations on the Star Spangled Banner - John Knowles Paine (Organist: Morley Whitehead)
Her Sacred Spirit Soars - Eric Whitacre
Old American Songs - Aaron Copland (Baritone: Whitaker Mills)
Zion's Walls
The Little Horses
Long Time Ago
Ching-a-Ring Chaw
Sure on this Shining Night - Samuel Barber
Ol' Man River - Jerome Kern (Baritone: Whitaker Mills)
Shenandoah - Traditional, Arr. Mack Wilberg
Christmas at Greyfriars 2014
13th December 2014
"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.
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
Chants Sacrés
4th October 2014
The Edinburgh Singers present Chants Sacrés, featuring works by Widor, Duruflé, Poulenc, and Fauré, under the baton of John Gormley.
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.
Joyous Sounds!
28th June 2014
The Edinburgh Singers present a Summer Concert of Music by Palestrina, Mozart and Elgar.
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
Songs of Redemption
10th May 2014
The Edinburgh Singers present a programme of music by MacMillan, Howells, Finzi and Kodály.
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.
Gloria and a Feast of Christmas Music
14th December 2013
The Edinburgh Singers present an evening of festive music, featuring John Rutter's Gloria and John Tavener's Hymn to the Mother of God, along with well-known seasonal favourites and some less familiar music to the sound of Organ and Brass.
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
Brahms Liebeslieder Walzer
5th October 2013
The Edinburgh Singers present Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer (Love Song Waltzes), with four-hands-on-a-piano accompaniment, plus part-songs by Elgar, Finzi and Vaughan-Williams.
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)
Haydn 'Nelson Mass'
25th May 2013
The Edinburgh Singers perform Haydn's 'Nelson Mass' and Mozart's 'Solemn Vespers'.
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 WestwoodTenors:
Seth Armitage, Adria Bargues, David Cameron, Jim Gilchrist, Bob Gould, David Leaver, Simon Maclaren, Keith Main, Iain McIntyre, Justin Nash, Geoff WatersAltos:
Shona Banks, Catherine Dunlop, Fiona Easton, Sarah Farnworth, Alex Marks, Alison Preston, Isobel Ramsay, Ailis Sandilands, Harriet Skipworth, Nicola StockBasses:
Martin Boyle, Lyn Jones, Ed Jupp, Tom Macintyre, Sean McBride-Stewart, David Pudney, Don Roberts, Bruce Royan, Martin Tolley, Mark Woods, Jonathan Wright
Sunday Worship: Dr Livingstone
28th April 2013
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.
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
Bach 'Magnificat', and Carols for All
15th December 2012
The Edinburgh Singers present an evening of festive music, featuring Bach's 'Magnificat' and a selection of traditional carols.
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
Fauré and Langlais
3rd November 2012
The Edinburgh Singers present Langlais' Messe Solennelle and Triptyque, and Fauré's Requiem, in the atmospheric setting of Greyfriars Kirk.
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)
Byrd and Vivaldi
23rd June 2012
William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices and Mass Propers for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and Vivaldi's Gloria. At St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Lothian Road.
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)
A Diamond Jubilee
4th June 2012
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.
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
Songs of Springtime
17th March 2012
A celebration of Spring and the beautiful Elgar Part-songs and a tea-time concert.
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
Illuminare
17th December 2011
The Edinburgh Singers presented their Christmas Concert in the beautiful Church of St Cuthbert's Lothian Road - featuring music by Praetorius, Whitacre, and others, as well as traditional carols.
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
Coronation Anthems
17th June 2011
The Edinburgh Singers present an evening of popular Baroque and Classical music, featuring the thrilling Zadoc the Priest.
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
Durufle Requiem
2nd April 2011
The superb setting of the Requiem Mass by organist and composer Maurice Durufle, in St Cuthbert's Church.
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)
O Holy Night
11th December 2010
The award-winning Edinburgh Singers presented an evening of angelic festive music, featuring well-known favourites and some less familiar music in a choral celebration of Christmas in the historic Greyfriars Kirk.
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 Worship: Advent
28th November 2010
A Vision for City People. Live from Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, with Greyfriars Choir and the Edinburgh Singers.
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)
Songs of Farewell
26th June 2010
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.
Saturday 26th June 2010 at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
The award-winning Edinburgh Singers present