What s On St Albans Cathedral

Transcription

1 What s On St Albans Cathedral November 2015 February 2016 Includes Christmas Programme Music Tours Family Fun Services Number One St Albans Visitor Attraction

2 A Warm Welcome Awaits You at St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral stands over the place where Alban, Britain s first saint, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago. There are many unique sights to take in when you visit the Cathedral, plus an exciting programme of events, tours, Christmas services and carol concerts which you can find out about in this guide. We look forward to seeing you soon. Contents Page 4-5 Top Ten Highlights 6-9 Music Special Services Christmas 16 Alban s Angels 17 Family Fun 18 Tours 19 Special Events 20 Exhibitions 21 Talks & Courses 22 Visitor Information 23 Our Regular Services Occasionally additional services and events will be added at short notice please check the website for updates or call Information is correct at time of going to print.

3 Top Ten Highlights 1 The Shrine of Saint Alban The Shrine of Saint Alban is a site of national Pilgrimage and people have been coming here for over 1700 years. It is used as a place of prayer and stillness by visitors every day. 2 The Longest Nave in England At 85 metres, St Albans Cathedral has the longest nave in England. 3 New Nave Statues Seven statues of martyrs, sculpted by Rory Young, installed in the niches of the medieval nave screen in The Watching Loft From the Watching Loft, monks and townsmen kept guard over Alban s Shrine. 5 Stunning Medieval Wall Paintings The Cathedral has one of the oldest and most extensive series of medieval wall paintings surviving today, ranging from the late 12th century to the 16th century. 6 The Bell Tower St Albans is the only major church in England with a great crossing tower of the 11th century still standing. 7 Choral Evensong Time your visit to enjoy the beautiful singing of the Cathedral Choirs at Evensong. Weekdays Saturday Sunday Outside of term time, there may be a visiting choir or short said service. 8 The Lady Chapel This 14th century extension to the church is dedicated to Mary the Mother of Jesus. 9 The Rose Window The magnificently coloured stained glass by Alan Younger was added to Grimthorpe s north transept rose window, and unveiled in 1989 by Diana, Princess of Wales. 10 Christmas at the Cathedral Don t miss the wonderful atmosphere in the Cathedral during Christmas. Special services and carol concerts take place throughout December and there is also a Christmas Market in the Cathedral Quarter. FREE Guided Tours of the Cathedral are available daily at the following times: Monday to Saturday Saturday Sunday to Friday If your time is limited, our Highlights Tour takes place at every day of the week Follow us on 5

4 Music The winter season promises a rich programme of musical events. Please see pages for Christmas recitals and carol concerts. St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital Date: Saturday 21st November Time: Bine Bryndorf, Denmark Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the IOFS. New Year s Day Celebration Concert St Albans Symphony Orchestra Date: Friday 1st January Time: Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Saint-Saens Bacchanale from Samson et Delila Sibelius Valse Triste Offenbach Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld J Strauss (jnr) Blue Danube Waltz; Korngold Introduction to The Sea Hawk Torke Javelin; Lehar Waltz from The Merry Widow Guest Conductor: Tom Hammond Come and Sing: Fauré s Requiem for Remembrance Date: Saturday 7th November Time: 14:30 rehearsal, 18:30 performance An opportunity to learn Fauré s Requiem in the afternoon, with the Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral, culminating in a performance open to the public at the Cathedral in the evening. This community act of remembrance falls on the eve of Remembrance Sunday and five days after the feast of All Souls. Tickets: 25, 20, 15, 8 Concessions: 1 18s and under Conductor: Andrew Lucas; Organist: James McVinnie accompanied; 5 students More information can be found at Cost: 12 to participate. Tickets for the performance: 3 unreserved; wheelchair spaces 3 with carer going free. Lunchtime Organ Recital Date: Wednesday 11th November Time: 12:30 Matthew Dunn, Organist & Director of Music, St Botolph s, Aldgate. Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. St Albans Bach Choir Date: Saturday 14th November Time: Duruflé Requiem St Albans Mozart Vesperae solennes de Dominica, KV321 with Sinfonia Verdi; Andrew Lucas (conductor); Lesley-Jane Your local supplier of high Rogers (soprano); Anna Harvey (mezzo soprano); Tom Robson quality, low priced print. (tenor); Alexander Robin Baker (baritone) Tickets: 30, 25, 18, London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG Concessions: Children (under 16) 12, Students (full time) 12. Not available for top price tickets. Wheelchair spaces 25 and 12 (Classic and No View only), with a carer going free. 6 Call the Box Office on Special Offer 10% off Order of Service design & printing 7 Offer valid until 29th February 2016

5 Music Lunchtime Organ Recital Date: Wednesday 13th January Time: Linden Innes-Hopkins, Organist and Director of Music, St John s, Boxmoor Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital Date: Saturday 16th January Time: Dong-ill Shin, South Korea Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the IOFS. The King s Singers with St Albans School Choir and the Choristers of St Albans Cathedral Date: Saturday 23rd January Time: A programme of Renaissance polyphony and close-harmony favourites with music composed by Bob Chilcott for The King s Singers and chorus. David Hurley (Countertenor); Timothy Wayne-Wright (Countertenor); Julian Gregory (Tenor); Christopher Bruerton (Baritone); Christopher Gabbitas (Baritone); Jonathan Howard (Bass); Conductor: Mick Stout The King s Singers are admired for their musical excellence and recognized as consummate entertainers - a class act with a delightfully British sense of humour. Their generous spirit and magical ability to move audiences have remained constant since the group s foundation in They perform over 120 concerts each year, touring all over the world. Tickets: 35, 30, 25, 20, 10 Concessions: Children (under 18) 12, 5 No View, Students (full time) 12, 5 No View. Not available for top price tickets. Wheelchair spaces 30 and 10/ 5, with a carer going free. Lunchtime Organ Recital Date: Wednesday 3rd February Time: Tom Bell, Organist, St Michael s, Chester Square, London Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. J S Bach: St Matthew Passion (dramatised) Date: Saturday 13th February Time: The Lea Singers In an exciting new semi-staged production, director Thomas Guthrie will stage the St Matthew Passion in the Nave, with the performers surrounded by their audience, the Cathedral s unique crucifixion wall paintings and the newly installed statues of the seven martyrs. James Gilchrist (Evangelist); Thomas Guthrie (Christ); Johane Ansell (soprano); Helen Charlston (contralto); Nick Pritchard (tenor) With St Albans Abbey Girls Choir Benjamin Goodson (conductor) Tickets: 30, 25, 18, 10 Concessions: Under 18s and students 10; Wheelchair spaces 30 and 25, with carer going free. Hertfordshire Chorus Date: Saturday 20th February Time: Mozart Requiem; Tippett A Child of our Time Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Ruth Jenkins-Róbertsson (soprano); Jessica Costello (mezzo); Paul Hopwood (tenor); Graeme Danby (bass) David Temple (conductor) Tickets: 25, 20, 15 (reserved); 8 (unreserved) Concessions: 5 on 20 & 15 seats for under 18s; Wheelchair users full price with carer going free Dates For Your Diary Harrow Choral Society Saturday 5th March Lunchtime Organ Recital Wednesday 9th March St Albans Bach Choir Saturday 12th March Sunday Afternoon Organ Concert Sunday 20th March How to Book Your Tickets Tickets are available online at by telephoning or by visiting our Box Office (located in the Gift Shop) between 10am 4.45pm Monday to Saturday and 1.00pm 4.45pm on Sunday. Enquiries about events can be sent to boxoffice@stalbanscathedral.org Tickets and/or programmes will also be available for all events at the door on the night, unless previously sold out. 8 Call the Box Office on

6 Special Services For Christmas Services see pages All Saints Date: Sunday 1st November Time: 8.00 Eucharist; 9.30 Parish Eucharist Choral Eucharist sung by the Ashtead Singers Memorial Evensong sung by the Ashtead Singers. Choral Eucharist for All Souls Date: Monday 2nd November Time: Sung by the boys of the Cathedral Choir. Remembrance Sunday Date: Sunday 8th November Time: 8.00 Eucharist; 9.30 Parish Eucharist Choral Eucharist of Remembrance (Silence at 11.00); Evensong Remembrance Day Date: Wednesday 11th November Time: There will be a two minutes silence and act of remembrance in the Cathedral. The High Sheriff s Justice Service Date: Sunday 15th November Time: Matins attended by Her Majesty s Judges. Annual Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving Date: Sunday 22nd November Time:14.30 Dove Release at West End Service This moving annual service provides a special occasion to remember loved ones. Organised by St Albans & District Bereavement Network. The service is sung by the Abbey Girls Choir. Solemn Evensong for Epiphany Date: Sunday 3rd January Time: Epiphany & Candlemas Carol Service Date: Sunday 31st January Time: A beautiful service of music and readings, sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir. Ash Wednesday Date: Wednesday 10th February Time: Choral Eucharist with imposition of ashes, marking the start of the season of Lent sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir. Taizé Service Date: Sunday 21st February Time: An evening service with instrumental music, a meditation and singing

7 Christmas We hope you can join us to celebrate this special time. Services and Carol Concerts which are particularly suitable for young children are marked with a star *. Advent Procession Sunday 29th November Time: Sung by the Cathedral Choir. A beautiful candlelit service of readings and music, marking the start of Advent. Willow Foundation Carol Concert Tuesday 1st December Time: An evening of carols and readings featuring the Hertfordshire Chorus. The Willow Foundation will be joined by Life Presidents, Bob & Megs Wilson. Tickets: 6-16, including a glass of mulled wine and a delicious mince pie. Please visit for details. Christingle Service* Sunday 6th December Time: Children and adults alike love this enjoyable service, which ends in candlelight. Organ Meditation Sunday 6th December Time: Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music. Tom Winpenny s recording of La Nativité (released 2014) is available in the Cathedral Shop, price: 6.99 St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols Saturday 12th December Two concerts of Christmas music and readings performed by the St Albans Bach Choir and organist Andrew Parnell. Conductor: Andrew Lucas Time: 15:00 Family Carol Concert (suitable for young children) Advance Tickets: Adults 6, Children (under 16) 1 (if seat needed) On the day: Adults 7, Children (under 16) 1 (if seat needed) Time: Evening Carol Concert Advance Tickets: Adults 12, Children (under 16) 6 On the day: Adults 13, Children (under 16) 6. Limited Wheelchair spaces 6 and 7 (if available), with a carer going free. Christmas Cards for Good Causes On sale from 16th October -18th December 12 13

8 Carols on the Hour* Saturday 19th December Take a break from the Christmas shopping and enjoy a very special Cathedral event! Each carol service lasts just 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting carols with the Cathedral choirs and local visiting choirs, and to get a real taste of Christmas in this beautiful, atmospheric Cathedral. No tickets required. Time: On the hour, every hour from to Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday 20th & Monday 21st December Time: Sung by the Cathedral Choir. Admission is by ticket only, available by public ballot. Ticket applications for the public ballot should be received by the Cathedral Office, no later than Friday 27th November For more information go to or call Christmas Eve Crib Service* Time: 14.30** A very popular and lively service lasting no more than an hour, and intended mainly for children and young families. Children visit the crib in the Cathedral and join in singing carols. **Please note the change of time Choral Evensong for Christmas Time: A beautiful, quiet and reflective service sung by the Abbey Girls Choir, marking the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas. This service is not suitable for very young children. Midnight Mass Time: The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and the glorious singing of the Cathedral Choir. The doors of the Cathedral will be open from A wonderful range of Christmas gifts, books and music is available from the Cathedral al Gift and Book Shop, including: Nativities Decorations Advent Candles Tea Lights Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols Time: Parish Eucharist for Christmas Day* Time: A Christmas service for all ages with crèche and children's activities. Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and the men of the Cathedral Choir. Matins for Christmas Day Time: A service sung by the Cathedral Choir. Eucharist Time: A quiet service without music following Matins. Following the service the Cathedral will be closed for the rest of Christmas Day, but is otherwise open daily throughout the Christmas period. Boxing Day Eucharist Time: 9.00 and Carols on Boxing Day Time: Why not drop in if you're out for a walk in the park and enjoy this short and informal carol service with a visit to the crib? Come and visit us at the new look Abbots Kitchen, we are open during the Christmas period! We do: Bespoke Menus, Corporate Hospitality, Receptions and Parties. FOR RESERVATIONS Call or abbots@elior.com Please note there are no Guided Tours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

9 Family Fun Here at the Cathedral, children s events are going on all year round. We especially love to welcome children and families during the school holidays, when we run our free Family Discovery Mornings and other exciting trails. Family Discovery Morning Date: Thursday 18th February Time: Price: Free. Donations gratefully received. Come along on 18th February and find the hidden treasure in the Cathedral. Spend the morning searching for clues and exploring all of the dark corners and hidden parts of the building whilst taking part in fun activities on the way. Children s Explorer Guide Price: 1.00 Become an Official Explorer of St Albans Cathedral Whatever day you visit, with our exciting Children s Explorer Guide you can find out more about Saint Alban and follow a fun trail around the Cathedral, learning fascinating facts as you go. Look out for the Knitivity this Christmas! We hope you will join others this Christmas and help St Albans Cathedral to thrive by becoming an Alban Angel today. This Christmas, we re asking you to be an Alban Angel. Alban s Angels offers a unique opportunity to make your Christmas gift to charity this year. It can also make a wonderful Christmas gift to others - perhaps for friends and family interested in preserving our heritage and history, and, at this special time of year, Alban s Angels can be purchased to remember a loved one, with a personalised Angel placed in our growing Angel Cloud in the Cathedral. 25 white angel (with name) 50 gold angel (with name) 100 pair of angels (with personalised message) For more details and to join Alban s Angels visit or contact the Development Office via appeal@stalbanscathedral.org or Design by This unique nativity scene with metre-high, hand-knitted characters will be travelling around local businesses, landmarks and churches from the end of November, helping to make the Christmas story accessible and fun. For full details of all our Children s Christmas Services and Carol Concerts go to pages

10 Tours Special Events Christmas Tower Tours Dates: Saturday 28th November 11.30, & Wednesday 2nd December & Saturday 5th December 11.30, & Wednesday 9th December & Price: 8 Enjoy the best views in town! This spectacular tour takes you all the way to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the North Transept gallery, the ringing and bell chamber before your final climb out onto the roof of the tower. Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Restrictions apply. See website for details. Abbey by Night Tours Dates: Wednesday 2nd December Wednesday 13th January Wednesday 3rd February Wednesday 9th March Times: & Price: 12.50, includes drinks reception This unique, atmospheric tour led by monks and historical characters gives you the rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight. Drinks reception 15 minutes before the tour time. Book a tour online at: call or visit the Box Office located in the Cathedral Gift Shop. More to Explore Dates: Sunday 8th November & Sunday 7th February Time: Price: Free Enjoy learning from the experts on these specialist tours. See for full programme. 8th November: Iconography of the Blessed Virgin Mary 7th February: Stunning Statues Annual Fireworks Spectacular Date: Saturday 7th November Where: Verulamium Park, St Albans Time: (Gates Open from 18.00) Come and enjoy a spectacular event full of music, stunning fireworks and fun for the whole family. This amazing public display was started over 25 years ago in order to reduce fireworks accidents at home and since its beginning has raised over 700,000 for local and national charities. The display is produced by Fantastic Fireworks of Redbourn. Tickets: Book tickets online at by calling , or visiting the Box Office in the Cathedral Gift Shop. Tickets are cheaper if booked online, in advance of the event. VIP Tickets A limited number can be purchased exclusively from the Cathedral Box Office and include: access to a marquee with seating and a hard-standing viewing area to see the fireworks display, a bar in the cricket pavilion, a hog roast or pizza, live music before and after the display from the popular local band 'Mouth on a Stick'. Must be over 18 - No concessions. An Evening with Melvyn Bragg Date: Tuesday 17th November Time: St Albans Literary Festival invites you to An Evening with Melvyn Bragg, in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Cathedral. The critically acclaimed author and broadcaster will discuss his latest novel; Now is the Time, a rich and compelling tale set in the heart of the Peasants Revolt of 1381 and partly set in St Albans. Tickets: 5 (unreserved seating). Book tickets online at by calling , or visiting the Box Office in the Cathedral Gift Shop. Residents First Weekend Date: 23rd & 24th January From exciting Tower Tours to fun Family Trails, there are FREE events to suit the whole family on this special weekend. Visit for full details

11 Exhibitions I Witness Exhibition Date: 2nd November - 19th November Today, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. The yearly hurricane season and the earthquake of 2010 add to its difficulties. But Christian Aid s work there, with local partner organisations, is making a big difference to the lives of its people. The I Witness exhibition shares stories and voices from the partners of Christian Aid in Haiti and the families and communities they are supporting, as they work to rebuild their lives and create a legacy of hope since the 2010 earthquake. Dedication 900 Date: 2nd December - 31st December St Albans Cathedral stands on the hillside where Alban, Britain s first saint, was buried over 1700 years ago. Over the centuries there have been many churches here, the one you visit today was built by the Normans between 1077 and 1115 as one of England s greatest abbeys. This display looks at the lives of individuals associated with our long history. For each of the past nine centuries we discover a personality - who were they, what can they tell us about our past? How does the present day Cathedral still reflect their hopes and achievements? St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society Date: 22nd - 24th January A display of 19th century illustrations of Hertfordshire and London by Frederic George Kitton who lived in St Albans from will be exhibited in the Cathedral over Resident s First Weekend. For exhibition opening times, please see the Cathedral website. Talks & Courses Learning at St Albans Cathedral The Cathedral is passionate about its role as a provider of education and enrichment and boasts a thriving programme of events, courses and talks. Listed are this winter s highlights. Why Cathedrals? Date: 19th November Time: 8pm Price: 6 Why do we have them and what are they for? Professor Nicholas Orme will try to answer these questions by tracing their history in England from early times to the present day, and explaining the various crises that they have managed to survive. Just War: the Christian attitude and presence Date: 26th November Time: 8pm Price: 10 For centuries issues of war and peace may have been politically complex, but were considered less complicated morally. We shall explore how the ideas of what constitutes a Just War developed, and how they are being challenged by our modern world. Waiting and Hoping Date: 3rd December Time: 7:30pm Price: 10 As we await the joy of Christmas, we need to look at our own lives with honesty and compassion, readying ourselves to welcome the God who comes into our world. We will spend the evening with the characters in the scriptural accounts of the Nativity and try to enter into and learn from their experience of waiting. How to Book Your Tickets Tickets are available online at by telephoning or by visiting our Box Office (located in the Gift Shop) between 10am & 4.45pm Monday to Saturday and 1.00pm pm on Sunday. Enquiries about events can be sent to boxoffice@stalbanscathedral.org The Learning Centre s library is open throughout the year. Find out more at St Albans Cathedral Education Centre The award winning Education Centre brings a variety of curriculum subjects to life in original and surprising ways, including R.E., History, Maths & English. Using the Cathedral as its classroom, over 14,000 children a year from nursery up to sixth form are welcomed by our team. For more information call or education@stalbanscathedral.org

12 Visitor Information Abbot s Kitchen Situated in the Chapter House, the Abbot s Kitchen serves delicious lunches, afternoon teas, children s meals and refreshments. Opening times Monday to Saturday , Sunday The Abbot s Kitchen can also provide catering for large groups, functions and special occasions. For reservations please call or abbots@elior.com Cathedral Shops Our Gift Shop has a wide range of souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and tastes. There are gifts for special occasions, birthdays, baptisms and weddings, plus a beautiful range of Cathedral and Saint Alban souvenirs and recordings by the Cathedral Choirs. Our Book Shop features a great range of titles, including a superb collection of children s books, local interest and history titles. We stock books by our clergy and local authors, and carry an extensive range of general greetings cards, special occasion cards and postcards. Opening times Monday to Saturday Sunday For all enquiries please call or enterprises@stalbanscathedral.org Support St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral is a National Treasure and relies heavily upon the generosity of its congregation and visitors. If you would like to play a role in preserving and enhancing St Albans Cathedral for future generations you can: Make a donation by text Simply text NAVE01 10 or NAVE01 5 to Become a Friend of St Albans Cathedral The Friends are a group of people of all faiths and none - who love this place, and who help to sustain and enhance the Cathedral. Amongst the many activities of the Friends is a wonderful social programme, which is also open to non-members. For more information on becoming a Friend, friends@stalbanscathedral.org or call Our Regular Services All are welcome at Cathedral services. Sunday Services 8.00 The Eucharist 9.30 Parish Eucharist Prayers for Healing (3rd Sunday) Choral Eucharist (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday) Matins (3rd Sunday) The Eucharist (3rd Sunday) Evensong Weekday Services 7.30 Morning Prayer 8.00 The Eucharist The Eucharist at the Shrine of Saint Alban Evensong On Fridays, the service at 12 noon is the Roman Catholic Mass. Saturday Services 8.30 Morning Prayer 9.00 The Eucharist The Eucharist at the Shrine of Saint Alban Evensong Services Once a Month 2nd Wednesday Mothers Union Eucharist 3rd Wednesday Teddy Bear Service Ecumenical Services We hold regular services of different Christian denominations. Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated every Friday at German Lutheran A service in German on the last Tuesday of every month at Free Church The first Wednesday of every month at Orthodox Monthly on Tuesdays at (check our service list for dates). A Day Chaplain is available for consultation on most days. At other times please ask to see a member of the Cathedral staff. Occasionally, special services interrupt our usual pattern of worship. A full, monthly Service & Music List is available at St Albans Cathedral is part of the international Green Pilgrimage Network, committed to raising environmental standards. For more information go to

13 Opening Times The Cathedral is open all year round Entry is FREE All donations are gratefully received. Our Box Office is located in the Cathedral Gift Shop or you can call or book online at How to Get Here The Cathedral is situated in the centre of the historic and beautiful city of St Albans. It is easily reached by car and public transport with good links from the M1 and M25, and is just 20 minutes by train from Central London. For full travel information, please go to: For the latest information visit our website and sign up to our What s On Newsletter St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1BY Telephone: mail@stalbanscathedral.org