St Peter’s, Eastern Hill

The choir was invited to lead the singing at evensong at St Peter’s. We did this from the organ loft, hardly visible to the congregation. The conducting was shared between Rhys Arvidson, the church’s organist and our own Faleiry Koczkar.

The service commenced with the choir singing, as the Introit, the traditional Welsh lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi. We then joined Father Hugh Kempster for Preces and Responses, and led the singing of Psalm 145, followed by the Office Hymn, the Welsh favourite, Cwm Rhondda, sung in English as Guide Me, O thou Great Redeemer.

The Magnificat was sung to the tune Woodlands and the Nunc Dimittis to the tune Song 1. The choir then led the responses to the prayers, and sang the Welsh hymn Diolch I’r Iôr (Thanks to the Lord) as the evening’s Anthem, with tenor Drew Hopkins as soloist.

The well known cartoonist Michael Leunig delivered the address. This was followed by the choir’s last piece, Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, sung to Troyte’s Chant. Then followed congregational singing of Bryn Calfaria and Hyfrydol, and the final Benediction and psalm.

Following the service, wine and cheese was served in the adjacent hall, and chorister Roger Bartlett entertained those present by leading an impromptu version of Calon Lân.

Afterwards Faleiry received the following message from the Vicar, Father Hugh Kempster:

“Dear Fal, Diolch yn fawr!  It was such a joyful evening, from the formalities in church to the spontaneous singing over supper.  Please pass on my sincere thanks to all those who sang; we were blessed!  Warmest regards, Hugh.”