FOLLOWING recent tours to Cologne and Prague, this summer the choir of St Thomas-on-the Bourne returned to Belgium.

Based in the heart of Antwerp’s old town centre, they sang three major concerts and one service in three of Belgium’s finest and largest mediaeval cathedrals, in Brussels, Bruges and Ghent.

The 30 singers from the gentlemen’s, boys’ and girls’ choirs were supplemented by two invited guest singers from two of Oxford University’s top college choirs.

The music they performed ranged from 16th century to contemporary English, European and American composers, including Tallis, Byrd, Palestrina, Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Fauré, Vaughan Williams, Britten and Rutter.

The versatility of the choir was shown in the variety of ensembles performed: men only, boys only, a girls’ quartet, a chamber choir, men and boys, as well as full choir.

The musical highlights included performances of Mendelssohn’s iconic treble solos ‘Hear my prayer’ and ‘O for the wings of a dove’, and a resounding rendering of Vaughan Williams’ ‘Let all the world in every corner sing’.

After the latter, at the end of the mass in Brussels Cathedral, the clergy led the large congregation in enthusiastic applause.

Robert Lewis, the director of music, said: “Musically, this was both a very ambitious and a very successful tour for St Thomas.

“It is challenging for any choir to sing so much varied music in an unfamiliar environment with very different acoustics in just a few days, with very limited opportunity to rehearse at the venues.

“All the choristers worked really hard to produce some exceptional performances. There were many moments that we will all remember for a long time.

“The tour puts us in a very strong position to start the new term back here in Farnham, where we aim to continue to sing great music to cathedral standards.

“We have much more to look forward to over the coming months – concerts in Hindhead and St George’s Hanover Square, and a return to sing at Westminster Cathedral, as well as the more usual weddings and Christmas services.”

The tour wasn’t just hard work, of course – it also included plenty of relaxation and fun for the choristers, including visits to a water park and a theme park, as well as a boat trip round the old town of Bruges.

There will be an opportunity to hear the music from the tour at a concert at St Thomas-on-the Bourne Church in Frensham Road. Details will found at www.thebourne.org.uk

Anyone with a child who loves singing and would enjoy the opportunities offered to choristers at St. Thomas’, are invited to get in touch with the church to find out more?

The choir is also looking for experienced men who wish to sing at a cathedral standard. Contact [email protected] for more information.