Music plays an important role within the life of the church. At St. Bartholomew’s there are two choirs; a robed choir and a group of community singers. One of these choirs leads the singing during the morning service each Sunday. The robed choir also maintains a long-standing tradition of singing Choral Matins (on the second Sunday of each month) and Choral Evensong (on the fourth Sunday). It sings a wide repertoire of Anglican Choral Music in four-part harmony. The community choir sings a repertoire that is accessible to all including rounds and popular music.
We always welcome new members. If you have any experience with traditional choral music (or even if you do not), you may like to come to one of the Thursday evening rehearsals (7pm community choir, 7:30-8:30pm robed choir). To sign up for more information please email the parish office.
The Organ at St Bartholomew’s
Music at St Bartholomew’s was originally provided by a band of musicians. They were replaced by a Grinding (Barrel) Organ in 1839. The current organ was built in 1890 by then renowned firm of Lewis, and several beautiful ranks of pipes belong to that period and are greatly cherished. During 1928 the instrument was enlarged by Harrison & Harrison of Durham. When the Nave Altar in 1980, a new organ console was built and installed in the south aisle, together with the new choir stalls alongside. Henry Willis & Son of Petersfield redesigned the whole layout of the pipe-work within the organ itself, and also moved the small choir organ, including new pipes, to its place behind the grill on the north side of the chancel.