Lifting the Lid on Choral Evensong

And now for something completely different – Bristol’s alto lay clerk and music and liturgical administrator, Tim Popple, has just revealed his latest project – a new book that promises to lift the lid on Choral Evensong.

An insider’s guide to Choral Evensong – thank you to Bristol’s Tim Popple.

Evensong: Notes on a Choir will be launched on 14 May after Evensong at the Musicians’ Church, Holy Sepulchre London – part of a festival celebrating contemporary music.

Sir John Rutter writes of the book:

“The ultimate insider’s guide to everyone’s favourite Church of England service: Choral Evensong, as heard in cathedrals and churches throughout the land. 

“Tim Popple, ex-chorister and now cathedral choirman, lifts the lid on its mysteries with the lightest of touches, plenty of anecdotes, and some laugh-out-loud moments. 

“Whether you are a seasoned devotee or you don’t know your versicles from your canticles, this book is guaranteed to have you running to your nearest cathedral to experience the beauties of choral worship . . . and you will go back and back.”

Tim said the book was intended not only as something familiar for those who live in the Anglican choral tradition, but primarily as an accessible introduction to those who may be less familiar with Evensong.

It includes writing from, among others, the Precentor at Wakefield, the Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral, and Sarah MacDonald, composer and a director of music at Ely Cathedral and Selwyn College, Cambridge.

You can book to attend the launch (tickets include a copy of the book and a drink) here.