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taking place at St Laurence,
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Music at St Laurence

St Laurence has a long established musical tradition, which dates back to the late 19th century. In addition to the weekly pattern of worship, at which the choir plays a significant role, special services take place throughout the year.

Further information about the musical life of St Laurence Parish Church can be found in the following paragraphs.

Choir

The St Laurence Choir, which is an affiliated member of the Royal School of Church Music, consists of around 10 boys, girls, men and woman of all ages and abilities. They have an extensive repertoire, covering renaissance through to contemporary. They are led by the Acting Director of Music, Nigel Lockwood.

The choir is always looking to recruit new members. A warm welcome awaits you, and you don't necessarily need to read music! Singing in a choir enables you to develop your musical skills, and be part of a friendly and supportive social network. In addition to preparation for the RSCM Voice for Life awards, junior choristers recieve generous quartely payments based on attendance, and free regular singing tuition. If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Nigel Lockwood.

Choir rehearsal and service times (term time)

Thursdays: 8.00-9.00pm (full choir practice)

Sunday: 9.30am (Parish Eucharist)

Other occasional festivals at which the choir is required.

The Organ

The Kenneth Tickell organ was installed in the spring of 2003, as part of a re-ordering of the church. It is a very fine instrument, with a variety of colours which allows the organist to play repertoire from all periods. The organ stands on the south side of the long chancel, with its front case rising in front of the chancel wall. The Great organ soundboard and pipes stand within the arch, while the Swell stands behind, with the Pedal organ below. The organ is fully encased, so that all divisions speak through the front of the case. The casework is of oak, with polished tin front pipes. The pipe shades were carved by Keith German. The gilded cross and crown within the flames symbolize the martrydom of St Laurence, who according to legend went to his death whilst being roasted over a gridiron. The balanced key action is tracker, with electric stop and combination action.

On Wednesday 16th June 2004, John Scott (Organist and Director of Music at St Paul's Cathedral, London) formally opened the organ by performing the following programme:

Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan - Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)

Concerto Op.4 no.3 in G minor - George Friderich Handel (1685-1759)

Prelude and Fugue in G major - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Andante in C KV.356, Fantasia in F minor KV.608 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Interval

Variations de Concert - Joseph Bonnet (1884-1944)

Chanson de Matin - Edward Elgar (1857-1934) arr. Hebert Brewer (1865-1928)

Impromptu, Etoile du Soir, Carillon de Westminster - Louis Vierne (1870-1937)