| The Choir of St. Michael and All Angels Church Director of Music: Michael Fleming |
| In the summer of 1998, Michael Fleming, former Warden of the Royal School of Church Music at Addington Palace and Director of Music at St. Albans, Holborn was approached by the PCC of St. Michael and All Angels, Croydon and asked if he would resuscitate the musical life of the church. On All Saints Day 1998, the newly formed choir sang its first service at St. Michael's. Since that auspicious occasion, fully choral services have been sung every Sunday and major Feast day at Solemn Mass and Solemn Evensong except during August when the choristers take a well earned break (many of them to sing with other choirs on Cathedral Weeks!). Every two months, singers are asked to indicate which service or services they are able to attend. Some singers are fully committed at other churches and can only come occasionally when there is no clash of commitment. Other singers are able to attend much more regularly but there is no expectation of regular attendance other than that the singer honours the commitment made. Many singers, including most of our junior and teenage members, travel long distances to participate. Music is selected on the basis of the numbers and voices expected for a particular service. There is no mid-week rehearsal as for other choirs. Singers arrive at 9.45am to rehearse for the 11.00am Solemn Mass or at 5.30pm for the 6.30pm Solemn Evensong. Once through the music with the piano in the vestry and just twenty minutes in the church to practice key moments with the organ accompaniment before the choir puts on its robes and the service commences. |
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| Music for the coming month Music performed over the last year St. Michael's Music Trust Choral Scholarships for young singers (all voices) and the George Oldroyd Organ Scholarship for young organists. Music notes from the Director of Music Back to St. Michael's Church Home Page Back to Martlet Choral Links Home Page |
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| New singers with competent sight-reading ability are always welcome. E-mail for further information. |
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