From Sunday 4th October, residents are being invited by Bath Abbey to join their choir, albeit smaller than usual, online or in-person for Choral Evensong.
New guidance means that Bath Abbey are able to welcome back their Choir and resume the long tradition of choral services.
This month, the Abbey Choir is singing at the 10.15am Sunday Eucharist, and from October, will have Choral Evensong at 4.30pm each Sunday.
There are plans to record music for Remembrance and for the Advent and Christmas carol services to enable a wider congregation and audience to be part of these popular occasions.
At the moment only small choirs are permitted, which is why they are currently having to restrict the number of choristers during rehearsals as well as services.
Bath Abbey’s hope is to have the full choir back singing together as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.
Huw Williams, Bath Abbey’s Director of Music, said: “We were delighted to have a choir of 10 singers at the Abbey yesterday singing at public worship for the first time since March.
“It was a very joyful moment to be part of this. We are gradually opening the choirs, with rehearsals and services in smaller groups at present and it is wonderful to see the boys, girls and lay-clerks returning to working together.
“During the lockdown we have been sharing videos online and have received many comments and messages of grateful thanks for the music.
“In turn, we would like to thank everyone for their lovely messages, patience and continued support of our choir.”
Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, added: “To begin welcoming back our choirs is truly to welcome back Joy, and a sense of God’s Glory filling the Abbey once again.
“Behind our facemasks the rest of us may not be allowed to sing with our voices just yet, but we will certainly sing with our spirits – and with smiles unrestrained!”
Congregation numbers for the Sunday 10.15am Eucharist and 4.30pm Choral Evensong services are currently limited to enable Bath Abbey to keep everyone as safe as possible.
To be sure of a seat, visitors are encouraged to register online via an Eventbrite page.
Tickets are free and will be available on the Monday preceding the day of the service.
