Music plays an integral part in the worship at St Machar’s with a full choir and a fine pipe organ at the service on Sunday morning.
There was most probably an organ at the Cathedral in pre-Reformation times though we have no direct evidence. The splendid three-manual organ presently in place was built by Willis & Son. in 1891.
The choir of around 30 members, which meets from September to June, usually sings two items at each service with a third often added for Holy Communion on the last Sunday of the month. The repertoire covers a wide historical range, from medieval plainchant to recently commissioned anthems. Music is sung from different traditions associated with the history of the Cathedral, with Celtic, Roman, Episcopalian and Presbyterian music represented. Being a Reformed Church there are many opportunities for the congregation to participate with hymns and responses. For more details of the music to be played and sung in the coming weeks see What’s On.
At the centre of the choir is a group of Choral Scholars, eight young singers who are recruited annually. If you are interested in applying to become a Scholar, speak to the organist (who is also Director of Music) after the service, or send a message to music@stmachar.com.
