Music at King Charles the Martyr

Director of Music: Rupert Preston Bell
Junior Choir Director: Sara-Lois Cunningham
Principal Organist: Michael Bacon
Assistant Organists: Jonathan Hagger, Jonathan Smith, Robin Hepburn

See also concerts.

King Charles has always enjoyed a strong musical tradition, and benefits from the services of a number of talented organists from the congregation. The organ is one of the best in the area, and is often used for recitals.

The Parish Choir sings at the Parish Communion services and for special occasions such as the carol service. It has around fifteen members and rehearses on Sunday mornings before the service. We welcome competent singers whether they are able to make a regular or occasional commitment.

In 2007, the church's Junior Choir started again after a few years' break. We now have a dozen members aged between 7 and 14, who rehearse once a month in place of  Sunday School and sing in services once most months. Run by a professional singing teacher, this is an opportunity for children to learn about music and to have some fun along the way. We make use of music and tuition resources from the RSCM. New members are always welcome!

The King Charles Singers also provide music for choral evensongs and other services on an occasional basis.

Choral Evensong

Evensong at 6.30 on the fourth Sunday of most months is fully choral, with sung canticles and responses, a chanted psalm and an anthem. Music is provided by choirs connected with the church, or by visiting choirs.

We aim to maintain a high standard of music at all services at King Charles, but these occasions give wider scope for worship to be enhanced through high quality music, in the cathedral tradition.

Any suggestions for (or from) choirs who might like to help us maintain a regular round of these services are very welcome. Please contact the parish office.

In 2007, evensongs have been sung by the King Charles Singers and Quorum. Other special evening services included a sung eucharist featuring Haydn's Nelson Mass, accompanied by strings, and a devotional service for Palm Sunday with music from Bach's St Matthew Passion. 

December 23rd, 2007
In December, the fourth Sunday coincides with the Christmas Carol Service, sung by the Parish and Junior Choirs and supernumeraries.

January 27th 2008
The first evening choral service in 2008 is for the King Charles Festival, and will be accompanied by members of the Aiso Quartet, who will also play a short recital following the service.

February 24th, 2008
Evensong will be sung by Quorum