The Feast of Saint Cecilia | Choral Evensong on November 17, 2024

This week's service includes settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by Herbert Howells (Gloucester Service), Preces and Responses by John Barnard, Musica Dei donum optimi by Orlando de Lassus, and Hymn for St. Cecilia by Herbert Howells. Sung at the close of day in cathedrals and churches throughout the world, Choral Evensong is a service of Evening Prayer, derived from the ancient offices of Vespers and Compline. The choir sings the traditional evening prayers of the church that have been offered for centuries, while the congregation listens, joins in the hymns, and adds their own prayers to those of the choir. It is an opportunity for peaceful meditation before the start of a busy week.