Monday 2 November
6pm | Choral Requiem Eucharist (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
Tuesday 3 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Friday 6 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Sunday 8 November
10.55am | Choral Eucharist (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
3pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
Monday 9 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
Tuesday 10 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Wednesday 11 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Choir of King’s College School, Wimbledon)
Thursday 12 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Schola Cantorum)
Friday 13 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Sunday 15 November
11am | Choral Eucharist (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
3pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Monday 16 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
Tuesday 17 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Friday 20 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Saturday 21 November
4pm | Diocesan Confirmation Service (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Sunday 22 November
11am | Choral Eucharist (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
3pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
6pm | Compline and Benediction (Sung by the Merbecke Choir)
Monday 23 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
Tuesday 24 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Friday 27 November
5.30pm | Choral Evensong (Sung by the Lay Clerks)
Sunday 29 November
11am | Choral Eucharist (Sung by the Schola Cantorum and Lay Clerks)
6pm | From Darkness to Light: The Advent Procession (Sung by the Cathedral Choir)
Choral Services FAQ
What is Choral Evensong?
Choral Evensong is a service of evening prayer, combining choral music, Bible readings, psalms and prayers. It is a form of worship which is several hundred years old and is unique to the Anglican Church. At Southwark Cathedral, the service offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Cathedral’s musical tradition. You are welcome to attend whether you come for the music, for prayer, for quiet reflection or as part of your exploration of London’s heritage.
The text of the service is drawn almost entirely from the Bible. Its main purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God in history and in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also invites those who worship to respond with praise and penitence, prayer and obedience.
The service is in three parts.
- The first part, which is very brief, prepares us for the story which is to follow.
- The second part is the story of what God has done (and continues to do) to save his people, beginning in the Old Testament (the Psalm and the First Reading), then moving to the New Testament (the Magnificat, the Second Reading and the Nunc Dimittis) and reaching its climax as we affirm our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
- The third part is our human response to the God who has revealed himself in history, in Jesus Christ and in the Church.
What is the difference between Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong?
Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong are both services of Christian worship, but they have different structures and purposes. Choral Eucharist centres on Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, in which Christians remember the Last Supper through prayer, readings and the sharing of bread and wine. Choral Evensong is a service of evening prayer, featuring choral music, psalms, Bible readings and prayers. It is particularly known for its rich musical tradition. Both services are open to visitors, whether or not they regularly attend church.
Who can attend choral services at Southwark Cathedral?
Everyone is welcome to attend Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong at Southwark Cathedral, whatever their faith, background or level of familiarity with church services. You do not need to be a regular churchgoer to visit.
Do I need to book or buy a ticket to attend a choral service?
No advance booking or ticket is required to attend regular choral services at Southwark Cathedral. Admission to the services is free, and everyone is welcome. Please check the current service listings for dates and times, as arrangements may vary for special services or events.
What happens during Choral Evensong?
Choral Evensong follows a traditional order of Anglican evening prayer. The service typically includes sung psalms, Bible readings, prayers, hymns and choral settings of traditional texts. The service is led by clergy and usually features the Cathedral Choir (though we also regularly welcome visiting choirs), with music forming an integral part of the worship. You can follow the service and join in where you feel comfortable, or simply listen and take in the surroundings.
How long does Choral Evensong last?
Choral Evensong typically lasts around 35 minutes. Please check the relevant service listing for any variations to the usual format.
Do I have to sing, pray or join in?
You are welcome to take part in the service as much or as little as you wish. Some people join in with the hymns and prayers, while others prefer to sit quietly and listen to the choir. If you wish, you can even sit in the choir stalls to be closer to the music. You do not need to know the words or understand every part of the service to attend. If you are unfamiliar with church services, there is no need to worry about knowing when to stand or sit. You can follow the lead of others around you, or remain seated if you prefer.
Why does the choir have so much to do and the congregation so little?
Whether it’s your first language or not, music has a particular power, reaching out to express truths beyond words. In worship this can happen through the simplicity of a well-known hymn sung together, or as highly skilled musicians offer something more elaborate on behalf of everyone else. This is the pattern at Choral Evensong. The Choir and organist work in partnership with the building to point us towards the beauty of God that is our source and inspiration, and the congregation are freed to rest and rejoice in God’s presence.
