Julie and I joined over 1,000 people this morning at Westminster Abbey for the long-running annual celebration on behalf of Help Musicians UK, namely the Festival of St Cecilia. This year’s event marked the 79th time the organisation has hosted the festival and in particular we enjoyed the performances by the combined choirs of Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral, led by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers at the Abbey.
We also heard the premiere of a commissioned anthem by Piers Connor Kennedy, ‘Anthem for St. Cecilia’s Day’, plus a performance by soprano Sophie Bevan, who also spoke about how Help Musicians had supported her in a time of need.
Notable readings were given by Antoinette-Rita Okie and Robert Alderman, which were followed by a light-hearted but meaningful address by the Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley. I also wish to add our appreciation of St Paul’s organist James Orford, who beautifully delivered the Fantasia and Fugue in G, Op 188.
