The Choral Evensong commenced in Flint Court where the Quiristers assembled in parade wearing their crimson cassocks together with the Altos, Tenors and Basses. Upon taking their place in parade, they proceeded into the chapel together with the clergy and the visiting Lord Bishop of Winchester (who had just received Ad Portas), to the sound of immersive organ music. The Choral Evensong was an uplifting service well-attended by faculty, alumni, parishioners and the parents. The atmosphere was welcoming and understatedly regal with religious relics of chalices, flagons and patens on display. The evening light shone through the chapel's sacred imagery in the deep colourful hues of its stain-glass windows framed high above the ornate wood panels and wood carvings below. Tall glass-encased white candles levitated before each side of the choir, and the altar candles flickered their radiance, exuding both a sense of warmth and Winchester College Chapel yesteryears.

The organ music was beautifully played, and in combination with the soulful voices of the Quiristers and Winchester College Choir directed by Mr. McCann, those in attendance must certainly have been transported to a higher plane. The range of musical complexity demanded by the compositions was notable, but enough cannot be said about the performance of the choir boys and the loft their young voices brought to the songs, in waves of cascading harmonies and musical precision.

The readings and lessons about St Michael casting Satan from Heaven and St George slaying the Dragon, brought to life images and motifs of triumph of good over evil, provoked deep thought, and invited self-reflection. It was a reminder that donning God's armour - in the form of faith, (as St. George ostensibly did) - arms one to resist and overcome the temptation that is ever present. A tribute prayer was offered to William of Wykeham whose words of wisdom 'Manners Makyth Man' undoubtedly ring as true and valuable to our youth today as they have through the ages.

The service ended with the National Anthem masterfully performed by Mr. Cunningham, which also featured a surprise of trumpets that culminated in patriotic crescendo and verse of "God Save the King", and met by pleasant bewilderment, enthusiasm and a generous ovation from parishioners. A great deal of thought, care and preparation was present in that service, and all involved should be commended for a performance that was there to experience and behold!

By A Quirister Parent