Music News - April 2026 

March was an exceptionally full and musical month for our choirs and musicians. With the build up to Easter upon us and finally a vernal spring in our step, we enjoyed the culmination of several months’ diligent work learning the Spark Motets for their performance for the Service of Light. Members of St Mary’s Brass and guests also accompanied the hymns, which added extra lustre to the occasion! Joyful Noise and the Junior Choir combined forces to sing for Mothering Sunday which was a delight as ever; we are fortunate to boast a very healthy number of youngsters keen to sing within our worship.

On Palm Sunday, Mozart’s Requiem will be presented as a Devotional Offering, featuring soloists from within the choir and a beautifully sensitive and skilful accompaniment from the organ.

This month, the choir will sing for Choral Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, singing the late-renaissance motet Christus factus est by Felice Anerio (who succeeded Palestrina as composer to the Papal Choir). On Easter Day, we will again enjoy St Mary’s Brass joining our choirs for the celebration of the most important day in the church’s year, with music to include Wood’s This Joyful Eastertide, Rutter’s All Things Bright and Beautiful and, hopefully, a rousing, congregational rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus!

In other SMMA news, the SMMA AGM will take place after the 10.30 am Service on 17 May. The Summer Lunchtime Recital Series will begin on Wednesday 27 May, so be sure to pop that date in your diaries! More information to follow next month.

Hannah Razzell