Music Events This Term

This Michaelmas Term promises to be a very memorable one for the Vaughan's musicians. The School celebrates its centenary this coming year and there are two very special events in the coming weeks to mark this milestone in the history of the School.

On September 19 the School with gather at Westminster Cathedral for the Foundation Day Mass. Always a special occasion, this year the Mass will see former members of the Schola singing alongside the current choir in Widor's Messe à deux chœurs et deux orgues, Op 36. On the same day,  the Schola will be joined by one of the world's greatest living composers, James MacMillan (pictured), as it performs the world premiere performance of the motet that he has composed for the occasion, a setting of part of Psalm 42, Emitte lucem tuam.

A few weeks later, on Tuesday 14 October, the Vaughan will come together at the Royal Albert Hall for the Centenary Celebration. This unique event, will gather more than 5000 people connected to the School for an evening looking at the Vaughan's past, present and future. There will be performances from 180 of the School's musicians, with music from Walton, Parry, Handel, John Williams, a world premiere performance of an orchestral fanfare written by composer Philip Wilby, and much more besides. Our musicians will be joined by Old Vaughanians and several special guests.  This will surely be the biggest event in the history of the school and a very memorable evening for all involved in the school's music-making.

Later in the term there are other notable events. On Monday 3 November the Schola will sing at Westminster Abbey for the Eucharist Service on All Souls Day. The choir is greatly honoured to have been invited to sing at the Abbey on this very important day in the church calendar.

The annual celebration of St Cecilia will take place on Thursday 20 November at St Paul's Church, Hammersmith and will see performances from an array of choirs and ensembles from the School.

The Vaughan Carol Service will be held at Our Lady of Victories on Kensington High Street on Thursday 18 December, starting at 7.30 pm.

Other highlights include boys singing in La boheme at English National Opera during November and December and also several planned performances of Britten's Ceremony of Carols at Christmas time. Meanwhile, the Big Band returns to the Bull's Head, Barnes on Sunday 5 October at 1 pm.