St Mary’s Choir
Biography
Under the leadership of John Keys, the Choir of St Mary’s Church is recognised as one of the region’s finest. Renowned for its versatility and wide repertoire it performs music from plainsong through to world premieres.
It can easily adapt to performing a Bach passion and, as it proved in 2002 and March 2007, can cope with the demands of Verdi’s Requiem.
The choir sings three times a week at Wednesday Evensong, Sunday Eucharist and Sunday Evensong. In 2002 a choral scholarship scheme was launched and has succeeded in attracting some of the most promising young singers from both Nottingham universities.
The choir performs regularly in concert on its own and with St Mary’s resident orchestra, The Orchestra of the Restoration. Recent concert works include Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Monteverdi’s Vespers with The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble, Biber’s Missa Salisburgensis, Mozart’s Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, Rutter’s Requiem, Bach’s St.Matthew Passion, St. John Passion and Mass in B minor.
Broadcasts include Sunday Half-Hour and In Praise of God for BBC World Service, Radio 4’s The Daily Service and Sunday Worship, BBC Radio Nottingham’s Annual Carol Service and BBC 1’s Songs of Praise.
Overseas the choir has performed in Paris, Belgium and Germany.
John Keys – Director of Music
JOHN KEYS has been Director of Music at St Mary’s for 21 years. In that time the artistic life of the church has bloomed in his hands and continues to evolve.
As well as being responsible for the provision of music for services at St Mary’s, being Artistic Director of the Orchestra of the Restoration and having a heavy teaching load, he is in great demand as accompanist, continuo player and recitalist.
Andrew Abbott - Organist
ANDREW ABBOTT studied organ in Birmingham under George Miles at Harborne Parish Church. He played regularly at St. David’s Shenley Green before being appointed assistant organist at St. Martin’s in the Bull Ring while still at school.
During his music degree at Nottingham University he received organ tuition from John Keys and won the University’s Barber Organ Scholarship. After graduating, Andrew was appointed as assistant organist at St. Mary’s. Andrew is well known locally as a recitalist, accompanist and continuo player.
Assistant Organist – Dr Paul Sibly.
Recruitment
Choral Scholars
The St Mary’s Choral Scholars Trust awards ten scholarships each year for students over the age of 18 in further and higher education. Each scholarship is worth £800 per annum, paid in arrears each term. Although the award is usually for one year, some scholars apply on a termly or semester basis. Scholarships are obtained by audition and interview, and scholars are welcome to apply for further awards in subsequent years.
Commitment
Each scholar is expected to rehearse and sing the mid-week service (usually a Wednesday Evensong), attend a weekly rehearsal for an hour and sing both Sunday morning and evening services. In addition, there are a few extra services throughout the year, and scholars have the chance of singing at weddings and funerals for additional fees.
Such commitment demands both good voices and a reasonable sight-reading ability. The scholarships are available for bass, tenor, countertenor, and female soprano voices. They are awarded solely on merit throughout the year.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards for the Junior Choir.
There are a number of financial awards available to members of the Boys and Girls Junior Choirs including annual scholarships of £200 each.
How to contact us
For further information please contact John Keys, Director of Music, by email: stmarysmusic@innotts.co.uk
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