Music
Music plays an important part in the worship and life of St Mary's. Our services are enriched by the contributions from the choir and organ, and a wide-ranging programme of concerts open to the public appeals to all tastes throughout the year.
Introduction
The acoustics in the church are ideal for music-making, and it provides a perfect setting for concerts large and small. The church has a fine 3-manual Norman & Beard organ of 1894 (restored in 1994), and a Bechstein grand piano.
Stuart Hutchinson is currently Director of Music and Organist at St Mary's.
For enquires regarding wedding or other music, please contact Stuart Hutchinson: organist@stmarydehaura.org.uk
St Mary's Choir
St Mary's Choir meets to practice on Friday evenings at 7.30 pm in the church. A wide repertoire of music from all centuries is used during the Church's year. New members are always welcome in all voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass); some prior experience of music reading is necessary.
For major festivals and special occasions, the choir is joined by members of the choir of St Nicolas, Old Shoreham and other local singers.
If you are interested in joining St Mary's Choir, please contact Stuart Hutchinson (e-mail above).
St Mary's Christmas Singers
St Mary's Christmas Singers is a community choir which rehearses from November each year to sing at the Town Carol Service on Christmas Eve.
If you are interested in joining St Mary's Christmas Singers, please contact Stuart Hutchinson (e-mail above).
'Music at St Mary de Haura' & Concerts
The aims and objectives of 'Music at St Mary de Haura' are:
- promoting and holding concerts in St Mary's
- giving opportunities for local performers as much as possible
- supporting choral services in St Mary's
A wide variety of instrumental and vocal music is performed, and admission is free to many concerts. Social events for members are arranged, and a newsletter produced, during the year.
Members receive a copy of the newsletter and details of special services, concerts, and social events. They are also entitled to a price reduction when admission to concerts is by ticket.
Annual subscription (renewable on November 1st of each year):
- Individual: £10
- Joint/Family: £15
- Senior Citizen/Student: £5
Membership forms are available in church, and can be downloaded opposite.
For further information, or regarding concert proposals and bookings, please contact Gillian Goldsmith: concerts@stmarydehaura.org.uk
Shoreham Oratorio Choir
The Shoreham Oratorio Choir, conducted by Tony Allen, is a choral society, which meets on Thursday evenings to prepare for two concerts in St Mary's during the year.
Adur Arts Forum
The Adur Arts Forum presents a series of concerts each Autumn in the church.
Adur Festival
The Adur Festival, during the first two weeks in June each year, uses St Mary's as a venue for a variety of events in the Festival programme.
