The Anthem At Evensong

Tuesday, 28^th of April 2026

#RorateCaeli #GregorianMotets #SetMeAsASeal #JonathanRennert #PeterTranchell #LondonFestivalOfContemporaryChurchMusic #LFCCM   

After chairing a lunch discussing AI with an MP, I took solace in St Michael’s Cornhill, a haven of peace in the heart of the City of London. On the menu was my Rorate Caeli, thanks to Director of Music, Jonathan Rennert. I was reminded that we met some 50 years ago when I was a treble chorister and he was booked to play the organ on a tour of Germany and the Netherlands. He spotted Rorate Caeli in the schedule for the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music and decided to give it an airing. The professional choir sang it beautifully on just one rehearsal. The countertenor particularly enjoyed having the last word, singing the final Rorate solo a cappella. That is a tribute to my teacher at Cambridge, Peter Tranchell, who directed the all male chapel choir at Gonville and Caius College.  

There will be another chance to hear Rorate Caeli in a recital in Southwark Cathedral on 12 May as part of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. 

Here’s the organist improvising on my Rorate Caeli before the service. 

IMG_2823 Rorate organ improv.MOV 

And here’s Jonathan Rennert proudly exhibiting the sheet music.