Calvary Choir Tours the UK!

This past July 20th the Calvary Choir of Stonington’s Calvary Episcopal Church, Dr. Alfred Tisdale, Rector, flew to the United Kingdom on a two-week mission of musical and spiritual sharing at two historic and venerated Anglican Cathedrals. The choir included 16 treble vocalists, boys and girls ages nine to thirteen, two teen boys singing tenor and baritone, and 10 adults singing alto, tenor and bass, and was led by Joseph Ripka, Organist and Choirmaster at Calvary, with Reverend Alan Murchie, Assistant Rector at Calvary, as organist.

The choir spent their first week of residency at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they sang three evening services and one morning Eucharist. The beautiful acoustics of the cathedral and the warm welcome from the clergy and parishioners at St. Mary’s created a memorable and positive beginning to the trip. The group also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Edinburgh, especially the Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city. A day trip to Alnwick, England to visit the Duke of Northumberland's Castle was a treat, because it is not only one of England’s grandest castles, but also the site of scenes from Harry Potter films. The lessons in broom riding were a favorite.

The second week was spent at the Lichfield Cathedral in Lichfield, England, a small but historic town with beautiful scenery and excellent restaurants. The Gothic medieval Cathedral is strikingly dramatic and somewhat intimidating, but again the warm reception and appreciation from clergy and churchgoers made the choir feel welcome.

The choir sang four evening services and one morning Eucharist at Lichfield. Director Ripka was concerned when a staff member at the church confided that they kept a “black book” of choirs that they would not invite back. “Don’t worry," said the woman, “you’re not in it.” Indeed, the choir received high praise from the vice-dean of the cathedral and a strong invitation to “come again.”

A special highlight of the entire tour was the opportunity, at Lichfield, to rehearse and sing an evening service under the leadership of Dr. Barry Rose, OBE. Dr. Rose, one of England’s most highly respected and renowned choral conductors, was choirmaster at many fine cathedrals including Guilford Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, where he conducted the music for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Although Dr. Rose was exacting, the choir members responded well, and he later commented to Director Ripka very positively about his experience with the choir.

At the end of the last service, the vice-dean at Lichfield gave a moving homily, thanking the choir and emphasizing the importance of sharing faith throughout the world through music. He believes that beautiful singing and a commitment to sharing the message of Christ, as exemplified by the Calvary Choir, are sorely needed in today’s troubled and complicated times.

The tour, which ran smoothly thanks to the hard work of Stonington volunteer manager Amy Hambly and many others, ended on August 2nd with a trip to London which included, for many, a ride on the London Eye. All of the choir members, chaperones and family members made their way home to Connecticut safely - tired, but carrying memories of deeply satisfying experiences and some fun times. www.CalvaryChoirSchool.org.