Music

Music is at the heart of all that we do at Lancaster Priory.  Choral music performed to a high standard serves to enrich our worship and plays an important part in the weekly pattern of services. The choir aims to raise the roof of the Priory, fill the church with glorious music and help to lead the congregation in worship.

Our organ plays a huge role in life here at Lancaster Priory as many have since the time when it was a Benedictine Abbey, from 1094 to 1346.

For more information and history about our organ, please see our dedicated page all about it.

The members of the Occasional Singers meet to rehearse after the 10am Priory Eucharist on approximately 6 or 7 Sundays per term, and also sing 9 services per annum during vacations of the Priory Choir.

The Occasional Singers, founded in 2000, is an unrobed SATB choir with a role of singing the 10am Eucharist on several Sundays during Priory Choir vacations (during school holidays in October and at Christmas, Easter and the summer), as well on Tuesday in Holy Week; there are approximately 6 or 7 rehearsals per term to prepare for those services.   At Christmastide, we have an afternoon of carol-singing at local nursing homes, and try to combine that with an informal social event for the choir, such as a ‘Jacob’s Join’ lunch. 

Members of the congregation who enjoy singing, are most welcome to contact Ian Pattinson who directs this choir.

We’re very proud of our robed choir which sings choral services every Sunday as well as weddings, civic services and concerts. Find out when you can hear them and we’re always looking for new members.

The top line is shared between a girls’ choir of around twenty girls, and a boys’ choir of around sixteen boys. The lower parts are sung by adults, many of whom began their singing life as children in the choir.  

The choir is a very friendly group that holds many social events, including trips, post-concert parties and an annual dinner at Candlemas. Many former choristers, some of whom are pursuing musical careers, return to take part both musically and socially in these events.

Every year we are delighted to welcome students from either of the two universities in the city to sing with the girls’ or adult choirs. Students who are able to offer high levels of commitment are eligible for CHORAL or ORGAN SCHOLARSHIPS to cover the cost of singing or organ lessons with a member of our team. In return for financial assistance, choral scholars are engaged in some aspect of choir administration or chorister training. Any students who would like to be considered for a choral or organ scholarship should contact the Director of Music to arrange an audition.

WEDNESDAYS
4.45pm – 5.15pm Children’s Choir

5.30pm-6.30pm: Boys’ choir practice

6.40pm-7.40pm: Girls’ choir practice

7.40pm – 8.40pm: University Scholars’ practice

FRIDAYS
Scheduled rehearsals between 6.00pm and 9.00pm planned a term in advance.

SUNDAYS
10.00am Choral Eucharist (9.15am rehearsal)

6.30pm Choral Evensong (5.45pm rehearsal)

During school and university holidays, a choir of volunteer singers from the congregation (The Occasional Singers) leads the music for the weekly Choral Eucharist. For details of how to join this, please speak to the Organist, Ian Pattinson, after a service.