By Jimmy Bailey
Yesterday was quite a day for all of us in Canterbury. The choristers, of course, were the busiest with a morning rehearsal from 9-11:15 including the entire festival chorus, a private rehearsal in the Cathedral from 4-4:45, another rehearsal with the entire chorus at 4:45, and Evensong at 5:30. After a quick bite, they were back in the Cathedral for another hour-long rehearsal at 7:45. It was an exhausting––but glorious––day. After 5 hours of singing, I’m sure they all slept well last night.
It is hard to put into words the experience here. The setting itself is extraordinary, and the ability to spend time in Canterbury Cathedral, both among the daytime crowds but also at night for rehearsal when the building is closed to the public, is something I’ll never forget. Perhaps my highlight so far was yesterday’s Evensong, where our St. Philip's choristers played such a prominent role in the service. Of all the choirs here, only St. Philip's processed into the service with the clergy, and when it was time for them to sing alone without the other 270 or so children from other choirs, their voices filled that building with beautiful music. Throughout the service, I thanked God for our many blessings, but in particular the blessing of the children’s and music ministries at St. Philip's. They were prepared both musically and spiritually for last night’s experience because of St. Philip's. Last night was one of the best moments of my life.
In addition to the Evensong service, I have enjoyed just sitting in the rehearsal hall and watching the world class instruction our children are receiving from David Flood and Henry Leck. It's quite amazing that 8-10 choirs who never sung together before Monday are making such beautiful music in a short period of time. I can only describe it as pure joy to watch and listen.
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