New College is the first institution founded by William of Wykeham in 1379, some three years before our more familiar college here in Winchester. Also dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it became known as “New”, as a college of that name already existed in the city. Ironically, it is now one of the university’s oldest, and arguably most beautiful.

Both institutions were built by the same hands, and to a visitor, the quad is strikingly similar to that of Winchester College, the chapel itself a soaring example of perpendicular gothic that seems designed to still you to silence. Bringing together the choral foundations of Winchester, Eton, and New College, the Amicabilis Concordia celebrates the notion of friendly exchange within the setting of New College Benefactors’ Day – again, in the meaning of good deeds, a dynamic of give and take. The choirs opened with Parry’s ceremonial anthem “I was Glad”. Well-chosen for the occasion - Parry was himself an Etonian - the music’s structure mirrors the unity it celebrates, moving from the forceful resonance of full choir, to division, to reunification. Traditionally a coronation work, this brought a touch of Edwardian splendour to the late afternoon light. As the congregation were duly defended against the dangers and perils of the night, this was followed by Herbert Howells’ often angular and creeping Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, as the liturgy turned to the end of the day.

Balfour-Gardiner’s matchless Hymn to Evening, ‘Te Lucis ante Terminum’, concluded the singing. Written whilst a master at Winchester College – another nod to the historic relation between the foundations – it was particularly fitting as a setting of Compline, poised between day and night, a hinterland coloured by passage and transience. This was certainly for me the jewel of the service, beginning with a rising motif form the organ to introduce the first stanza from the full choir. Confidence falls to fear in the unaccompanied central verse, minor in key, hushed in tone, to return to final reassurance. This progress was captured beautifully by the Quiristers in front row position seated across the nave, apparently un-awed by the 50 or so figures staring out from carved-stone reredos that towered above them on the East Wall. If they felt overcome, they didn’t show it and, singing impeccably, they were perfect ambassadors for Pilgrims', their treble voices contributing to the antiphonal echo of the choirs’ collective sound. Quoting from a sermon of John Donne, the celebrant directed us to the otherworldly promise of “one equal music”, a piquant tribute to the chapel’s spiritual beauty and a reminder of our own privilege, in being present.

Whisked off to supper up the steps to the college Hall afterwards, the boys brought us roundly back to earth. The soup, my sons informed me, with full school-boy indignation, was watery, and there was no grace! Nos miseri homines et egeni…

Anna Elliot
Q Parent