It was a huge privilege to welcome one of the choirs of the Chapel Royal for a concert at the end of March, marking the 400th anniversary of the Accession of Charles I.
With the Mayor as a special guest (she remarked that it was likely to be her favourite event of her mayoral year!) the whole evening was a delight, rounded off by a tremendous tea very generously provided by the King Charles Cooks.
The choir comprises around a dozen boys and just six men – slightly smaller than the average cathedral choir. They provide music for royal events, of course, but their main duties are the Sunday services in the chapel at Hampton Court (which are open to the public).
It was wonderful to hear music composed in the age of the Stuart monarchs, which would have been sung in the chapels royal at the time. We were witnessing part of an unbroken English tradition, performed with great proficiency and decorum.
The professionalism and courtesy of the boys was remarkable. But there was no aloofness in our visitors (including the chaplain and chapel clerk). They were genuinely interested to visit the church and learn about our royal heritage, as well as being delighted by the welcome and hospitality we gave them. Tea and cake really do work wonders!
After the concert we held a reception in the hall which gave us a chance to publicise the Hall fundraising campaign. The Mayor said a few words in support, endorsing the importance of community spaces for the town, and she promised to spread the word more widely. All the profits from the concert will go to the fund.
Director of Music Carl Jackson retires this summer, but he expressed a confident hope that the connection between King Charles the Martyr and the royal chapel will continue for many years to come.
