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The Radio 3 Boards > The Music Boards > The Concert Hall > Choral Evensong (an ignorant question)
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Author Topic: Choral Evensong (an ignorant question)  (Read 436 times)
IgnorantRockFan
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« on: 10:19:46, 18-02-2007 »
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but if I turn up at a cathedral on a Sunday evening would I be permitted to sit at the back and just listen to the service? I'm not a practicing Christian and wouldn't want to "join in" (whatever that might involve), I just want to experience what it's like.
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Allegro, ma non tanto
MeKurwenal
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« Reply #1 on: 12:35:40, 18-02-2007 »
Cathedrals are generally open to the public at service times ( some historic cathedrals and churches actually charge for entrance !) and there is no hard and fast rule about joining in.

With typical Anglican set-ups, you can sit at the end of any pew and just listen, read along to the Hymns etc. If everyone stands, best to do so as well (otherwise it may appear rude) but apart from that : just enjoy.

Here in Oxford, you can actually sit in the Choir for the main services, if one is early enough. A real treat if they are singing Finzi, or Stanford or any of the great anthems. A few weeks ago I went just to hear some Tallis, : and it was great.

All the best
MK
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IgnorantRockFan
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« Reply #2 on: 12:48:07, 18-02-2007 »
Thank you, that's very helpful Smiley
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Nick Bennett
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« Reply #3 on: 14:03:59, 18-02-2007 »
The cathedrals are very used to first-time visitors and will do everything they can to make you feel inconspicuous.  As another respondent said, just stand and sit when the rest of the congregation do.  Kneeling, bowing and making the sign of the cross are considered completely optional, even by many Anglicans, so don't feel embarrassed about not doing.

The only part where the congregation join in is the Creed, beginning "I believe in God".  They will all turn to face the altar for this.  Best thing here is to turn with them but stay silent.

Sundays aren't necessarily the best day for non-believers.  Many cathedrals have a sermon, and the service often begins with the general confession, which the congregation says together - again, you can just sit this out, nobody will mind.

I can remember venturing into my first evensong - at King's College, Cambridge - when I was a student.  It was a bit scary the first 3 or 4 times, but you soon get used to the structure of the service, and knowing what you feel comfortable with doing as it progresses.  The nice thing about evensong is that it follows the same pattern in all cathedrals and college chapels, so you soon start feeling at home with it wherever you go.

Let us know how it went.
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cathythinks
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« Reply #4 on: 21:10:26, 20-02-2007 »
Some Cathedrals and a few colleges (King's is an example) have a massive screen between the nave and the choir. Don't be tempted, out of shyness, to think it best to sit on the nave side of the screen (which would allow you to escape unnoticed if necessary, that's the temptation).

It's much better to go up into the stalls and sit where you're sideways on to the choir (usually) and can get a bit of a view. The vergers will usually advise on where you are allowed to sit. Typically there will be a booklet provided to help you work out what's coming when. Some booklets even offer extra commentary and explanation designed for those who've never been before.
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reiner_torheit
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« Reply #5 on: 22:19:39, 20-02-2007 »
Despite the name "Evensong" the service is in the late afternoon in most Quires & Places Where They Sing. Check times locally Wink

PS don't wear your best trousers - the Anglicans spend a lot of time on their knees Wink

R.T.
(an ex chorister of long ago)
« Last Edit: 22:21:32, 20-02-2007 by reiner_torheit » Logged
They say travel broadens the mind - but in many cases travel has made the mind not exactly broader, but thicker.
DracoM
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« Reply #6 on: 23:06:49, 20-02-2007 »
Not an ignorant question at all!

Cathythinks and Nick Bennett offer great help. Absolutely no-one will mind how you listen / particupate. Don't, however, as some loathsome kid did next to me recently, spend much of the time reading his mobile phone and texting his mates. I kid you not.
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ulrica
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« Reply #7 on: 13:03:06, 07-03-2007 »
Draco
Was that 'kid' in the choir? I could name a few lay clerks who do the same during lessons and sermons.  Roll Eyes But I won't.
u
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DracoM
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« Reply #8 on: 22:43:30, 07-03-2007 »
Texting the Dean with ideas for his next sentence in the homily?
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