About Us
Past -
In Ecclesia was founded in 1955 by a small group of church music enthusiasts, whose aim was to bring to the churches of Somerset part of the choral heritage of the Church of England. The choir was first known as the Rural Church Singers. They became well-known to many small country congregations to whom they travelled to sing Choral Evensong. Those early days were not without incident. Records tell of the time when the evening canticles to be sung were changed at the last moment owing to choir balance, but the decision did not reach the organist in the organ loft, with interesting results. On another occasion, an alternative variety of incense was created when a certain pipe-smoking tenor caught fire and was in danger of going up in smoke, as the choir waited to process into a church
In Ecclesia was founded in 1955 by a small group of church music enthusiasts, whose aim was to bring to the churches of Somerset part of the choral heritage of the Church of England. The choir was first known as the Rural Church Singers. They became well-known to many small country congregations to whom they travelled to sing Choral Evensong. Those early days were not without incident. Records tell of the time when the evening canticles to be sung were changed at the last moment owing to choir balance, but the decision did not reach the organist in the organ loft, with interesting results. On another occasion, an alternative variety of incense was created when a certain pipe-smoking tenor caught fire and was in danger of going up in smoke, as the choir waited to process into a church
- and Present
The choir was renamed In Ecclesia in 1995, but we preserve the original aim of the choir. We love singing beautiful music in beautiful places, bringing choral services (usually Evensong) to churches which no longer have a full choir or where Evensong is rarely sung. We also sing services in cathedrals up and down the land. In 2018 we sang at Exeter, Truro, Llandaff, Norwich, St Edmundsbury and Ely and in 2019 we are at Tewkesbury Abbey, Brecon Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol. We have recently sung at Gloucester (October 2021) and Chichester (February 2022) and will be singing at Worcester this October.
You can see a full list of our engagements on the Diary Dates page.
We are always interested to hear from singers who may like to join us. We look for good sight-readers, quick learners and committed singers. We are also keen to welcome young singers into the choir. Perhaps you sang in a church or school choir in your youth and remember the thrill of singing great anthems and canticles. Perhaps you sing in a church choir which has a limited repertoire and would like to expand your 'playlist'. Or maybe you would just like to explore and sing the great wealth of sacred choral music that we are able to bring alive. Whatever your motivation, do get in touch.
One thing that has never changed over the years is the feeling of camaraderie, fostered by regular social events, which help to make membership of the choir so enjoyable.
Please Contact Us if you would like to book us for a service. We are happy to sing for Weddings, funerals and memorial services by arrangement.
The choir was renamed In Ecclesia in 1995, but we preserve the original aim of the choir. We love singing beautiful music in beautiful places, bringing choral services (usually Evensong) to churches which no longer have a full choir or where Evensong is rarely sung. We also sing services in cathedrals up and down the land. In 2018 we sang at Exeter, Truro, Llandaff, Norwich, St Edmundsbury and Ely and in 2019 we are at Tewkesbury Abbey, Brecon Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol. We have recently sung at Gloucester (October 2021) and Chichester (February 2022) and will be singing at Worcester this October.
You can see a full list of our engagements on the Diary Dates page.
We are always interested to hear from singers who may like to join us. We look for good sight-readers, quick learners and committed singers. We are also keen to welcome young singers into the choir. Perhaps you sang in a church or school choir in your youth and remember the thrill of singing great anthems and canticles. Perhaps you sing in a church choir which has a limited repertoire and would like to expand your 'playlist'. Or maybe you would just like to explore and sing the great wealth of sacred choral music that we are able to bring alive. Whatever your motivation, do get in touch.
One thing that has never changed over the years is the feeling of camaraderie, fostered by regular social events, which help to make membership of the choir so enjoyable.
Please Contact Us if you would like to book us for a service. We are happy to sing for Weddings, funerals and memorial services by arrangement.