Choral Fireworks - Ripon Cathedral

The last time the Choir sang at Ripon was Bonfire Night 1989. On our recent visit fireworks would have stood no chance due to the deluge we experienced as we assembled and left Nottingham on 13th July 1997. The weather had fortunately improved by the time we arrived, although humidity and thundery rain was to be the order of the day.

Ripon Cathedral, though beautiful, sturdy and inspirational, is smaller than other venues in which we have sung - most recently and most notably Lincoln. It was perhaps appropriate then that the Choir was slightly reduced in number compared with our usual cathedral "turnout". Ripon has an excellent and easy-to-fill acoustic which suited us well. We sang for the 11.30am. Eucharist, during which Simon Williams and Amelia Teague made notable solo debuts in the setting in F by Darke, and, of course, for Choral Evensong when the Canticles were sung to Wood in D. The anthem was Sydney Campbell’s exciting, "Sing we Merrily", full of choral fireworks. Nigel Day served us well with sparklers in the organ accompaniment whilst Andrew Teague treated us to some stunning pyrotechnics in his organ voluntary.

A damp squib could have been the moment when "The Lord be with you" was sung at the end of the service once the choir and clergy had recessed to the transept. Leslie was left open-mouthed and ready to intone, only to discover that the Dean of Ripon’s blue touch paper was already lit - unfortunately in a different key and notation! Robin Needham however, valiantly stood well clear and conducted us through the moment of danger with courage and aplomb - bringing the service to an end with a resounding flourish.

As if to not be outdone, the homeward journey was accompanied by a celestial display of amazing and unbroken double rainbows which arced across huge storm clouds which were spot-lit by the evening sun.

Altogether, the day was a happy and successful venture and hopefully, a blessing for those at the services, our friends and supporters who travelled with us, and for ourselves - Deo Gratias.

Trevor Davys


http://www.stpetersnottingham.org/music/ripon.htm
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Last revised 31st August 1997