The Quorn United Church Website
St. Bartholomew's Church Choir
There is evidence of some form of organised choir at
St. Bartholomew’s in the 18th century. An item in the Churchwardens’ accounts
reads "Gave the singers for the King’s coronation, 11th Oct. 1747, 2s. 6d."
Subsequent records mention the existence of a small orchestra in 1804, but there is
nothing about the presence of choirboys until the installation of a new organ in 1887.
Seventeen boy choristers are shown in a photograph of 1900. Ladies were eventually, and at
the time reluctantly, admitted to the choir during the incumbency of the Rev. William
Pilling!
The choir now consists of men and women of all ages who enjoy both Church music and
singing. The choir is involved in the regular Sunday services especially on the special
occasions of Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Harvest. These give them the challenge and
satisfaction of singing both well and lesser known music ranging from 16th century Tudor
anthems, Latin motets and Victorian anthems, right up to the more contemporary composers.
The wide range of services each month give ample scope for an equally wide range of
musical complexity from simple effective songs (such as Taize chants) to a BCP Choral
Evensong.
The choir also participates in Diocesan singing events such as the Choral Festival held
every October and is, of course, available for weddings. Wedding couples are encouraged to
contact the Director of Music to arrange musical details well in advance of their big day.