On a glorious early September day, 45 singers gathered in Wells for our first singing day there for three years. Singers from Bristol, Portishead, Worcestershire and Taunton joined local singers from Wells and regular Songways singers from Bath and Trowbridge.
We began in the Bishop’s Palace Chapel, an exceptional acoustic in which to sing. Jane taught the group a lively gospel song and a rich South African hymn, filling the space with harmony and attracting other visitors to listen. This was followed by the powerful song, We shall overcome, and one of Jane’s own compositions, Be Free, introduced with the fiddle.
After a break and some fresh air in the stunning gardens, we walked to the Cathedral and gathered in the Vicar’s Hall, at the end of Vicar’s Close, the oldest continuously inhabited street in England. Here Jane taught a simple and beautiful Sanctus – a round from the Taize community – and a lively Hallelujah.
We then had the privilege of singing all our songs in the magnificent Cathedral Nave, our voices soaring into the main body of the cathedral. The informal performance was much enjoyed by an appreciative audience of visitors who had chanced upon it during their cathedral visit. Two from New Zealand commented afterwards:
We’ve been in the UK for a month and we’ve just had the best hour of our trip!
After a well-earned lunch we returned to sing in extraordinary resonance of the Chapter House, including Jane’s peaceful chant, In the beauty of the world find rest and be free.
Here are some comments from singers:
An uplifting and wonderful day in beautiful surroundings – highly recommended to lift the voice and the spirits
Such amazing venues
A magical day
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