St Michael's Consort in Port Alfred

There was standing room only at the concert, with over 110 people in attendance. The concert featured the interim director of music Peter Black on the organ, and Glyn Lloyd-Jones, Milanda Coetzer, Charles Antrobus and John Jackson as soloists in two items, Rejoice in the Lord alway by Henry Purcell and I have surely built thee an house by William Boyce.

Saeculum Aureum, a vocal ensemble consisting of members of the Consort, performed four items, including two settings of words by George Herbert set by past Directors of Music at the Cathedral, Andrew-John Bethke’s The Call and Christopher Cockburn’s Bittersweet.

Some of the singers were graciously hosted overnight by members of the St Paul’s congregation, including two past Grahamstown Cathedral choristers, Maggy Clarke and David Foulkes.

On Sunday morning, the Consort was part of the service of Morning Prayer at St Paul’s. Even though it was Low Sunday, there was a large congregation, who enjoyed, among other musical delights, Charles Wood’s Oh thou central orb and Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s Te Deum from the Service in B-flat. They were sent off singing a rousing rendition of Thine be the glory.

Thank you to everyone who was involved, especially Rev. Pen Schultz, the hosts, those who provided eats after the concert and service, and all those who attended. Special thanks to Jon Houzet of The Announcer for permission to use his photographs.