Day 7: Like Carnegie Hall for Choristers

Monday, July 10, 2023

Posing in the Abbey choir stalls! (photo: Chris Thackray)

Day 7: Head Chorister Nate discusses his experience making it to the big leagues: singing Evensong in Westminster Abbey

Today was another busy day for us — and one that we have been looking forward to for a long time. Today was the day we would sing in Westminster Abbey!

After a long train ride from Edinburgh on Sunday night, today was our first full day in London. After a good sleep and breakfast at our hotel, we set out in the morning for the British Museum, which is just a short walk away from our hotel. We were all kind of blown away by the outside of the museum because it is gigantic. But then we went inside and saw the amazing Great Court, which has a huge glass ceiling. 

My group was really excited to go and see the mummies first, so we made a break for the Egyptian death and afterlife section, which was really cool. We didn’t have a ton of time to see everything — there’s way too much to see — but we had fun running around trying to see as many artifacts as we could. The last thing we got to see was the Rosetta Stone, which has the same text written in three languages, and helped scholars figure out how to read hieroglyphs.  

But most importantly, today was the day we would sing Evensong at Westminister Abbey! After a short tour around the historic Abbey, it was time to rehearse and get ready. Although we were all pretty tired, hot and thirsty from the day and a very busy tour schedule, it was time to dig deep so that we could give it our best. We were pretty nervous, too. It’s a very special thing to be able to sing at one of the most famous churches in the world, and a great honour. It’s like Carnegie Hall for choristers! After time rehearsing and practicing our procession and recession, we had a quick break to relax and have a snack. And then… it was time! The Abbey was full of people for Evensong. There were also many special guests sitting next to our families in the quire who were there to celebrating 50 years of independence in the Bahamas. 

Then the service started, and as nervous and excited as we were, we seemed to just fall into our rhythm, and then, before we knew it, the service was over and we were back in the cloisters! What a great experience, and something I know I will always remember. We all felt like celebrating afterwards, and our chaperones thought it was time for a treat. And what did we choose? McDonalds! Ahhh, comfort food. It was the perfect ending to an excellent day!

A hard day's work done, the Young Choristers were rewarded with McDonald's after Evensong. For the adults, a libation at the local establishment was their prize.

Check back here tomorrow for the update on our second day in London! Know someone that would like these emails? Forward them this link!

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