By royal appointment: the Minster choristers assembling ahead of their evensong performance at the 14th Century St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Sunday
Today marks the centenary of the birth of Elizabeth Windsor, who as Queen Elizabeth II set records as the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch – 70 years and 214 days – until her death in September 2022, aged 96.
Centenary remembered: Queen Elizabeth II
So last weekend’s performances by Croydon choristers at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, where the Queen was buried, was an especially poignant honour for many of them.
The choir of Croydon Minster sang matins and evensong on Sunday, with some of its singers having sung evensong on Saturday as part of the Whitgift School Chamber Choir.
“To sing in such an ancient and historic building was a wonderful occasion both for the choristers as well as for the older singers,” said David Morgan, one of the singers.
Justin Miller, the director of music at Croydon Minster and director of choral music at Whitgift School, was proud of the choir’s performance.
“It was a real pleasure for the choirs to sing in a stunning building so steeped in tradition. Singing within St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, was a truly humbling experience, adding our voices to a place shaped by centuries of music and royal history.
“It will remain a lasting and cherished memory for every singer involved.”
The Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, gave a personal message of thanks to the choir at the end of evensong for the high standard of their singing.
Order of service: the choir of Croydon Minster is performing in some of the finest churches and abbeys in the world, with Westminster Abbey next month
The chapel was full for the Sunday evensong, with friends and family of the choir members taking the opportunity to enjoy the choir’s singing in a prestigious location.
“The sound they created was truly uplifting,” said one choir supporter.
St George’s Chapel was founded in 1348 by Edward VI as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter. The choir was treated to a private tour of the chapel in between singing the services on Sunday and learned about the 24 Knights of the Garter whose regalia hang in the chapel. The guide explained about the banners of arms hanging there, pointing out the little cat atop Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stall and the Olympic rings on Dame Mary Peters’ personal banner.
The tour included a visit to the tomb of Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Philip. A bouquet of flowers, picked from the gardens at Highgrove, lay there, placed by their son King Charles.
The Minster Choir is on its travels to a prestigious location again on Saturday, May 2, when they will be singing evensong at Westminster Abbey (at 5pm).
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