Advent Evensong

Unlike cathedrals where sung Evensong is a frequent occurrence, our little church on the hill might see only one or two in the course of a year. It has become our tradition in recent years to have one in Advent - not a grand affair, but low-key and quiet as befits the season. This year the singing was led by a group of 5 women who sang plainsong Psalm, Mag and Nunc - women from the congregation, former or current choristers in other singing ensembles, trained by the organist for this occasion. There was an anthem - Advent Invocation, originally composed by John McIntosh for Cumbrae Cathedral Choir, performed a year later by Cappella Nova, and now rearranged for the limited forces available.

I enjoyed it hugely. The photo shows some of the departing congregation behind the Advent Wreath; it doesn't show the walls glistening with condensation on this strangely mild, wet evening and it doesn't show the candles that on two occasions almost sent the hair of this blipper up in flames.