16th May 2009

Two pieces of sacred music have been performed for the first time to mark the nine hundredth anniversary of the Diocese of Ely. Over four hundred singers were at Ely Cathedral this afternoon (Saturday 16 May) to give voice to a new anthem and new hymn at the annual Chorister Awards.

The anthem, 'I am with you always', was composed and conducted by John Rutter, one of the most successful choral composers of his generation. The words are taken from the Gospels of St Matthew and St John.

The words of the hymn, 'Saints of Ely, raise your voices', were written by David Yeandle, Professor of German at King’s College London, and Organist of All Saints' Church, St Ives. Canon David Pritchard, Vice Dean of the Cathedral, composed the music. The tune is called 'Precentor', the office he held at the time it was written.

Each year the annual Dean’s and Bishop’s Awards for choristers at the Ely Festival of Church Music attracts singers from across the diocese.

Three churches were represented in this year’s final awards. Emily Reid from Cambridge St. John the Evangelist won the Bishop's Silver Award. Edward Ball, Esther Leonard, Sophie Thompson and Florence Zolman, also from St John’s, were among the ten recipients of the Dean’s Award. The other award winning choristers are Hannah Butson, Heidi Cadman, Reuben Cadman, Abigail Cunningham, and Hannah Palmer, all from Ramsey St Thomas a Becket, and Jessica Stuttard from Whittlesey St Andrew.

For details and more information:

Canon Owen Spencer-Thomas, MBE
Bishop’s Press Officer
52 Windsor Road
Cambridge
CB4 3JN

Phone: 01223 358448
Mobile: 07801 492151
email: owenst@btinternet.com

16th May 2009
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