Traditional Evensong is sung less and less in parish churches in the North West of England. However, it's a tradition that we keep alive and well at Wigan by singing Evensong every week.
We want to see this tradition continue well into the future, but also we want to give experienced singers the opportunity to come along and sing music from the Anglican Choral Tradition. Check out our Music Lists page for the music we sing.
We meet at 5.30pm and practice the music before the service, in addition to the music for the Eucharist the following Sunday.
If you want to join in, there is no commitment - just come along as little or often as you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like singing but can't read music - can I still come along? The demands placed on singers, ie little rehearsal time, means that singers should be able to read music to a reasonable standard in order to participate fully. The choir sings in four or five part harmony (SATB / SATTB / SATBB / SSATB), not in unison (unless indicated in the music), and you should have the ability to sing a part by yourself. For those that are not familiar with your part (ie Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) and cannot read music will find the experience frustrating due to the need to learn the music very quickly before performing it in the service. However, you are very welcome to sit in the congregation and participate through listening.
Will I have to make a commitment by joining the choir? No! Modern life places many demands on us and we realise that you may not be able or wish to attend every week. Just come along as and when you wish. However, we hope that you enjoy it and want to come along frequently. It would be worthwhile, however, before you come along for the first time to introduce yourself via the Contacts page.
Will I need my own cassock and surplice? No. We have spare cassocks and surplices. If we run out, we ask that the Sopranos wear a white top with black skirt/trousers.
Who runs the choir? The Director of Music is Karl Greenall. Karl has a lifelong connection to Wigan Parish Church and follows a long list of distinguised organists.
What are the plans for the future? Wigan has a unique musical heritage. Sir Edward C Bairstow heads a list of organists who wrote music for the choir. We have some of Bairstow's music in our repertoire (such as The Lamentations, I sat down under his shadow, Jesu the very thought of Thee), but want to add some of the larger scale pieces that require larger forces than we currently enjoy.
How long is the service? Evensong lasts approximately 45 minutes. There is no sermon! It is led by the Rector or Curate and is sung in the Quire.
Although not always listed in the music lists, we often sing an unaccompanied introit
The responses are RSCM
Occasionally we sing Byrd's Preces and Responses
The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis are set to chants
Periodically through the year there are festal evensongs (such as Easter Day) when we sing an evening service by, for example, Murrill (in E), Stanford (in C), Ireland (in F)
Larger anthems are often sung on these occasions - at Easter this year we are singing 'Blessed be the God & Father' by Wesley
Any other questions? Just use the Contacts page and get in touch.