Waikanae Anglican Parish

Ever wanted to flex those vocal chords into a harmonised symphony? Why not check out the St Michael's Music Ministry?

 

The music ministry at St Michael’s is expressed chiefly through the impact of the  WAIKANAE ANGLICAN PARISH CHOIR, which attracts membership and congregations from along the Kapiti Coast.

 

 

Background

The present choir, initiated by Norman Purdie and its first Music Director, Richard Prothero, was formed in early 2000, and sang at its first Choral Evensong on 16 April, 2000. When Richard resigned in August, 2002, renowned conductor, Professor Peter Godfrey, became Music Director and still retains that position. The choir’s organist, Elizabeth Salmon, has given a number of public concerts in her own right. Choir membership stands at close to 40.

 

Style of music

The music is chosen for the traditional Choral Evensong based on the Book of Common Prayer. The choir, therefore, customarily sings an introit, the responses, a psalm, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, an anthem and three hymns at each service.

 

Services and rehearsals

Regular Choral Evensongs are held only on the third Sunday each month at St Michael’s & All Angels, Rangihiroa St., Waikanae, at 7.00pm. The choir also sings on a few other special occasions including The Way of the Cross, Easter, Advent and in December, the Nine Lessons and Carols service. It has sung at other churches from time to time, notably at the Wellington Cathedral and the local Presbyterian Church by invitation.

 

Regular rehearsals are every Tuesday at St Michael’s from 7.30 to 9.30pm, and an hour before each service. An extra rehearsal may be held before a special service. Consistent attendance is important in order to learn new music, and maintain standards.

 

Purpose of the choir

The choir exists chiefly to enhance worship by providing musical leadership for the congregation, and lifting spiritual experience through quality music. The choir offers, on behalf of the people, that which the people cannot always do themselves. In practice, it becomes a very caring group with a remarkable sense of togetherness and fun.

 

Interested in finding out more?

If you have an interest in church choral music, can hold a note accurately (ie sing in tune), and preferably can read music, the choir could have a place for you as soprano, alto, tenor or bass. To find out more, contact:

Prof. Peter Godfrey, tel (04) 904 6716, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Or Laury Sinclair, tel 905 7790, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .