Over the Easter break, the Epsom College Chapel Choir embarked on an unforgettable concert tour of Spain, visiting Salamanca, Ávila, and Zamora. The tour combined rich cultural experiences with exceptional music-making, showcasing Epsom College’s strong choral tradition in some of Spain’s most beautiful and historic venues.
Musically, the tour featured three concerts in stunning ecclesiastical settings: the Basílica de Santa Teresa in Ávila, the Catedral de Zamora, and culminated in a truly special final performance in the Salamanca Cathedral. The final concert was a standout moment of the tour, with standing room only and queues stretching around the block as members of the public eagerly gathered to hear the choir sing. The Choir was on particularly fine form, delivering a moving programme of English choral music with great sensitivity and power.
The repertoire included:
- Charles Wood – O Thou the Central Orb
- Thomas Tallis – If Ye Love Me
- Elizabeth Poston – Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
- Samuel Wesley – Thou Wilt Keep Him
- Jonathan Dove – Seek Him That Maketh The Seven Stars
- Bob Chilcott – Were You There When They Crucified The Lord
- James MacMillan – O Radiant Dawn
- Herbert Howells – Magnificat (from Collegium Regale)
- John Rutter – The Lord Bless You And Keep You
- Freddy Wickham – My God, My God (Psalm 22:1)
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – Lord Thou Hast Been Our Refuge
- Charles Hubert Hastings Parry – I Was Glad
A huge thank you goes to Mr Jonathan Holmes, College Organist, for his phenomenal accompanying throughout the tour. His playing elevated each performance and brought a depth and polish that were deeply appreciated by performers and audiences alike.
The tour was also enriched by several memorable cultural experiences, including a visit to the medieval city walls of Ávila, a guided tour of Salamanca, and time exploring the remarkable Art Deco and Art Nouveau Museum at Casa Lis. These excursions offered valuable opportunities for reflection and cultural immersion.
Special thanks also go to Canon Haviland, Mr Wickham, and Mrs Wilson for their support and care throughout the trip which was led by Director of Music, Mr Paul Johnson-Hyde who said: “I am confident that this tour will live long in the memory of all who took part. The last concert experience was a particular career highlight for me.”
