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 & Organist at St Mary's, and Nicholas Houghton is Associate Organist.

St Mary's Choir

St Mary's Choir meets to practice every Friday evening at 7.30 pm in the church. A wide repertoire of music from all centuries is used during the Church's year. For major festivals and special occasions, the choir is joined by members of the choir of St Nicolas, Old Shoreham and others singers in the town. A large community choir (St Mary's Christmas Singers) rehearses from November each year to sing at the Town Carol Service on Christmas Eve.

New members are always welcome in all voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass); some prior experience of music reading is necessary. Please do contact us if you are interested in joining the choir:

'Music at St Mary de Haura'

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.

If you would like to receive recital and concert details by e-mail, please contact us, with your e-mail address:

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.