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Bristol’s Cathedral Choir keeps up centuries-old tradition
Bristol’s Cathedral Choir isn’t letting a global pandemic get in the way of a tradition dating back almost five centuries.
In line with national lockdown measures, the College Green church has closed its doors to the public during the coronavirus outbreak but is still planning to bring Easter prayers and services to people through broadcasts put out across social media channels.
As part of this, the Cathedral Choir of nearly 40 choristers will join, together with the back row, for a special virtual celebratory performance of This Joyful Eastertide on Sunday, upholding a tradition of singing on Easter Day that has taken place every year since 1542.
is needed now More than ever
“This will – in a manner of speaking and with a very 21st century solution – remain unbroken,” says Tim Popple, Bristol Cathedral’s marketing coordinator.
The Cathedral Choir will be upholding a centuries-old tradition on Easter Sunday
Tim continues: “Our Cathedral Choir pour their heart and soul into the music they provide for the praise and glory of God. While our choristers and adult singers are self-isolating, this multitrack project has enabled them to still sing together, to become part of something greater, and to remember why the Cathedral Choir exists, and why the cathedral itself is here: to give thanks for the resurrection of Christ at Easter, and the love which God shows the world.
“Now more than ever, that message is of vital importance. Throughout Holy Week, the cathedral is offering a number of services, many with additional musical content drawn from Cathedral Choir CDs, recordings made before the cathedral was closed, and these special multitrack “quirentine” performances recorded during the lockdown.”
Bristol Cathedral is currently closed due to the coronavirus outbreak but is still hosting services and prayers
Bristol Cathedral is broadcasting morning and evening prayer on weekdays at 9.30am and 3.30pm, with Eucharist for the people at 10am on Sundays.
The full Holy Week schedule is available via the cathedral website.
All photos by Dave Pratt Photography
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