Music at St Mary Redcliffe
St Mary Redcliffe Church has a long and distinguished musical tradition. There are usually three sung Sunday services each week at which one of the church choirs (or a visiting choir) sings. The church has a large and famous pipe organ by Harrison and Harrison of Durham, built in 1912, which is highly regarded as a masterpiece of Edwardian craftsmanship.
We have four choirs, details of which can be found below and offer organ and choral scholarships; again see below for more information.
Each week we host a free organ recital on Thursday lunchtime, with organists from around the country and from further afield. Details of the current season can be viewed below. Join us if you can!
For details of music that will be played during services this month, take a look at our monthly music list and remember to look at our events page for information about concerts in church.
Opportunities for Students to Sing in 2024
SMR has a flourishing Music Department under the leadership of Director of Music, Joe Cryan. The choir sings at Choral Mattins, Sung Eucharist and Choral Evensong in term time, as well as feast days and solemnities. Our annual Rush Service is a highlight of the choral year, along with our Advent Procession, 9 Lessons and Carols and Redcliffe Festival. The church has a popular online presence: all services are streamed on SMR Live for those who may not be able to attend services in person.
We take part in a broad range of musical activities both at SMR and in our wider community. In recent years the choir have sung at Bristol Cathedral, Bath Abbey, The Tyntesfield Estate and S. S. Great Britain.
The Choir’s treble line is made up of up to 25 boys, 25 girls who attend a range of local schools. The lower voices are largely made up of volunteers, who are supported by the choral scholars, who are in higher education in and around Bristol. In September 2024 we are launching our new treble line, SMR Sing Start, which is for children in Year 1 and 2 at school. We also have regular “Come and Sing” groups for people who are currently out of work, followed by coffee, cake and a chat.
The choral scholars are an integral part of musical life at St Mary Redcliffe, and has given many early-career singers the chance to flourish at SMR while “singing the song of faith and justice”
Here’s a small sample of things that our current choral scholars have said they have got out of being part of St Mary Redcliffe: .
“It has been a wonderful place where I have found lasting connections outside the University Bubble”
“It’s a place where we sing good music well! [...] As someone who has sang in many choirs it’s great to be somewhere where representation of diverse and different groups matter”
“I’ve found a voice I didn’t know I had”
“As I move on, I have a legacy that I will take with me” “SMR is a non-judgemental, safe space where I have felt welcomed and valued”
Download the Application Pack Here - With More Information About the Terms of the Scholarship.
A CV and Covering letter should be emailed to the Director of Music. You will then be asked to come for an informal interview and singing audition at SMR, where you will sing a piece of your choice and do some sight singing and aural tests. This is a rolling application, but appointments are usually made at the start of a university year. If you wish to have an informal conversation about the role of Choral Scholar or to ask questions in advance of application, please contact the Director of Music, Joe Cryan, by email joe.cryan@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
Music information