FREE - Please take a copy

OCTAG N MAGAZINE

EDMUND ALDHOUSE APPOINTED ELY SCIENCE FESTIVAL NEW DIRECTOR OF MUSIC THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Page 2 Page 8

LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER FOCUS ON Page 6 RETIRING DIRECTOR OF MUSIC PAUL TREPTE Page 10 Issue 7 - Spring 2019 Edmund Aldhouse Appointed Welcome from The Director of Music

This quarter’s Octagon Magazine covers the most important part of the Christian Year as we celebrate Lent, Holy Week and Easter - and the glorious fifty days of Eastertide culminating with the Feast of Pentecost. There is a great deal on offer for spiritual nourishment and refreshment during this period and I hope that you will take the opportunities provided for that - a gentle reminder that the Church of teaches that all its members should receive Holy Communion on Easter Day if at all possible. As most will know Chapter were very pleased to be able The Festal on Easter Day will also be the occasion to announce at the end of the year that, after a full and at which we bid farewell to our longstanding Director of extensive application and interview process, Edmund Music Paul Trepte - I’m sure there will be lots of people Aldhouse currently our Assistant , will succeed there to make that a memorable occasion. Paul Trepte as Director of Music when the latter retires from that post on Easter Day. We also look forward to the Science Festival in May during which some very eminent people will be talking The Director of Music is a significant and important position and engaging with us, and a wide variety of activities and within the Cathedral, and it’s only the second time in the events will happen. There is still a considerable amount of past sixty years that an appointment has been made - so it work to do for many to realise that science and religion are was important that it was thorough and we are delighted not opposing disciplines, rather they are complementary. at the outcome. To live life to the full which is God’s calling for us; we need to hold all these things together. Paul has done tremendous work over the past 29 years and we are hugely grateful for all of that. Whether it’s the I look forward to seeing you at the Cathedral during these Easter Day Sung Eucharist with Orchestra and a cast of coming, exciting, months. thousands…. or a midweek evensong with more in the than the congregation, Paul and all our musicians, always give of their best to the glory of God.

The Very Reverend Being Director means that Edmund won’t play the organ Mark Bonney, quite so often, and we will miss his skilful improvising, Dean of Ely but we hope there will be other opportunities to hear his keyboard skills. New Safeguarding Handbook Regular and Safeguarding Audit Volunteers and staff should have received a new Service Times Safeguarding Handbook which is also available on the Sundays: Cathedral website Safeguarding page. In anticipation of 8.15am: Holy Communion a Safeguarding Audit in June much work is being done 10.30am: Sung Eucharist across the Cathedral to ensure our policies and practice 4pm: Evensong is robust in this regard. Please do all that you can to make the Cathedral a safe and welcoming place for all. Daily Services: 7.30am: Morning Prayer Loving God, we pray that this Cathedral church may be 8am: Holy Communion a place of welcome, security and compassion. Keep us 12.10pm: Holy Communion watchful yet caring, trusting yet ready to question, that all (Thursdays and Saints’ Days) who worship here may do so in safety and in the knowledge 5.30pm: Evensong of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 New Chapter Members

Revd Tom Buchanan Revd Alison Myers Revd Dr Jeremy Morris Monsignor Mark Langham

After nine years on Chapter we bade farewell to Hugh Shilson-Thomas as one of our non-resident Chapter members. Hugh is Chaplain and Dean of Selwyn College and has served Chapter extremely well, not least in being the Chapter link with the Education Department and chairing the Education Trust until recently.

We are very pleased that the has appointed the Revd Tom Buchanan to replace Hugh. Tom is a Self-Supporting Minister based in Cambridge who runs his own company Paternoster Communications. He brings a wealth of experience in communications and crisis management - we hope that the latter will not be needed, but you never know! Tom was installed as a Canon on 25 February alongside three other new Canons, the Revd Alison Myers (Rector of the Lordsbridge Team and Chair of the Diocesan House of Clergy), the Revd Dr Jeremy Morris (Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge) and Monsignor Mark Langham (Chaplain of Fisher House, Cambridge - appointed an Etheldreda Canon - one of three ecumenical Canons). We look forward to them all playing a full part in the life of the Cathedral.

The Community Choir Advent Sleep-Out K9 Café sings again! The K9 Café is just what it sounds like - a space for people and their dogs Back by ever-increasing popular demand, to meet. Chris Kent, its organiser, the Community Choir will pop-up again runs the café as a weekly drop-in at to sing at major events in the Spring: An the Cathedral Centre with a team of Audience with Paul Trepte on 14 March and volunteers. It’s for people who have The Science Festival ‘Nights at the Cathedral’ dogs to come and socialise with other on 20 and 29 May. dog-owners, but it’s also somewhere We now regularly number about 50 singers for people to come and enjoy the so you can enjoy the experience of singing dogs’ company who don’t have one in a friendly and confident choir. The only A team from at home, or who could simply do audition for this choir is that you SMILE! chose one of the worst nights with being around other people and No previous singing experience necessary. in December to raise money for their pets for a while. Everybody welcome! See back page for times of rehearsals. charities working with homeless people across the country.

The team of six people and ECO Church! two dogs raised £3,070.31 for the Church Urban Fund’s Ely Cathedral Environment Group, began life Advent Sleep-out. Thank you to with the simple act of litter picking on the everyone who helped raise this first Saturday of the month around Ely. There phenomenal amount on behalf have always been between 8 - 18 volunteers of the Cathedral Community. who have set out in all weathers to keep Ely Canon Jessica Martin, Canon tidy. The Group will begin working towards Victoria Johnson and new becoming an Eco-Church in the coming year Canon Jessica went along with her Chapter member Canon Tom so please support them in this endeavour dog Gonzo on 13 December to meet Buchanan were joined by and do come along to meetings if you everyone, and was welcomed very can. The formal launch of the Cathedral Lesley-Ann Thompson, Tabitha warmly. Gonzo was very new to his Environment Group and our work towards Thompson, Theodora Spufford, post as Canine in Residence but the Eco-Church Award, will take place on Gonzo and Percy (Canines in soon overcame his shyness as he was Wednesday 3 April, at 6.15pm with guest Residence). patted, stroked and greeted by so speaker Jonathan Chaplin. many kind people.

3 ELY CATHEDRAL FLOWER GUILD

An update from retiring Chair Judy Wynn Flower Festivals ‘In the Beginning’ in 2013 and the recent ‘Kaleidoscope of Life’, when we were augmented by the East What will I and my fellow guild committee who are of England Area of NAFAS Flower Clubs to produce such retiring miss? memorable events.

We will miss the early morning and late night visits to check and water, a simple but necessary part of our job, with the opportunity we have had of seeing the Cathedral in all weathers, different light and different moods, usually quiet and prayerful, as we creep about doing our behind the scenes job. We will miss the camaraderie of organising deliveries with our suppliers, the friendship with our fellow members and the fascinating conversations we have with visitors whilst we are arranging. We will miss the creative fulfilment when with the help of nature we achieve a splendid design, admired and enjoyed by many.

The job has been a great team effort, with Mary Foister as my support throughout, Marilyn Crossley as the co- ordinator of the many weddings, June Nash and Lenny Prigg assisting with their local knowledge and expertise. The Guild is so blessed to have the creativity of such talented and enthusiastic members, together with the support of local flower clubs, including Cambridge, City of Ely, Littleport, Burwell and the Wisbech Arrangers.

We look forward to the future, with a I have always preached that the flower arrangements we difference, as produce are designed to enhance our already so beautiful the Guild is to Cathedral - and that we are bringing God’s world of be led by an creation into the building, adding new life to the stone enthusiastic and and decorations which have been there for, in many cases, dedicated Team hundreds of years. All we produce is for the glory of God, of Members and as are the many services, events and activities that we we wish them accompany. well. If you have some experience We took over this this enjoyable, sometimes demanding, of arranging but always rewarding, job 8 years ago and during that flowers you time have organised flowers for many weddings, funerals, would be memorials and special events and occasions. We look back welcome as fondly upon spectacular Open University Weekend flowers, members of the sparkling Christmas Fair designs, stunning extra arches Guild, where you will gain the knowledge of producing for weddings, and Church Festivals. Easter, Harvest and large designs, which give so much pleasure to all those Christmas are always popular, as Guild members delight who visit the Cathedral day by day. in doing what we all love at these special seasons - this year particularly as we arranged flowers on Christmas Eve, I suppose one memory will never leave me as I look back surrounded by festive preparations. on so many special experiences - and that is of Roger Woolnough, co-Flower Festival Designer and I, paddling in It is a great pleasure planning and choosing colours to the river of water stretching down the , accompanied suit the seasons and the event they are to enhance, and by the Dean and choirboys at the climax of a wonderful we were greatly stretched by the demands of our two flower filled week - a highlight of a flower-filled life. 4 FEATURE

More recently a new brand of coffee and hot chocolate The Almonry Restaurant has been introduced in both the Almonry and Refectory. Coffee World is a Cambridge based coffee supplier who A great deal has been happening behind the scenes at The source all their Fairtrade beans from single source growers Almonry Restaurant and in the Refectory Café. Our new and work closely with the Rainforest Alliance. Both catering catering manager, Adrian Scarlett, has settled in with ease establishments are now serving their rich ‘Aromatic blend’ and, along with the Almonry kitchen team, has started work which has been roasted at their site in Cambridge by the on introducing new and enticing speciality menus. company’s specialist Roastmaster. If you haven’t already tried it, we strongly recommend you do. With an emphasis on ‘Seasonally British’, Adrian’s ambition is to source as much locally produced or locally supplied We are also very excited by the new technology that is now food as possible. In addition to the ever popular selection fully operational in both restaurants. Guest WiFi is available of platters, soups, jacket potatoes and sandwiches, he is in all public areas and an newly installed till system enables introducing some ‘Kitchen Favourites’ such as Edis Sausages staff to take customers’ orders on an electronic tablet which with Creamy Mash and Onion Gravy, Homemade Fishcakes is sent direct to the kitchens. This will not only speed up the with Poached Eggs served with a mustard sauce and a ordering process but also enable the staff to spend more Cambridge Burnt Cream. time on the restaurant floor looking after the customers’ needs. This new system also operates in the garden so Customers will find the daily specials board equally during the summer months alfresco dining can be fully tempting with a choice irresistible hot dishes including embraced whilst making it easier to manage the outdoor Cambridgeshire Venison Sausages, a pastry topped Steak & space at peak times. Ale Pie or, our personal favourite, the eight-hour braised Ox Cheek served with a Thyme and Garlic sauce and seasonal Further ideas and opportunities under consideration include root vegetables - Absolutely perfect winter fodder! All extending the outdoor seating areas to make the most of the food is made from scratch and freshly prepared in the the Almonry’s beautiful gardens plus the introduction of kitchens on site. summer picnic hampers, ice cream and other seasonal treats, plus a ‘Grab & Go’ take away service in the Refectory In addition to the mouth-watering selection of home-made Café. cakes and scones, freshly baked by Gill every morning, The

Almonry will also be introducing speciality cakes to satisfy the ever growing gluten free and vegan customers. Pictured: HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the Almonry. November 2018. 5 MUSIC AND WORSHIP

There will again be the opportunity to meet for a ‘Spiritual Lent, Holy Week and Easter MOT’ to explore your own personal spiritual journey one- to-one with Cathedral clergy and those with expertise in We are approaching the beginning of Lent on Ash this area. Wednesday - 6 March - when there will be several services during the day with the making of the sign of the cross Canon Victoria Johnson will be our preacher in Holy Week, in ash on our foreheads to remind us of our mortality beginning with her first address at the Prelude to Holy and encourage us to spend these 40 days in preparing Week service on Palm Sunday afternoon at 4pm - we wait ourselves, by more self-conscious reflection and self- with vigilance and preparedness for Christ. Vicky will be restraint to acknowledge our weaknesses and turn back preaching throughout the week, on Maundy Thursday to God. Traditionally we may restrict certain kinds of food and the Evening Eucharist of the Last Supper with the and drink or practice other kinds of discipline like extra washing of feet and on Good Friday at the Proclamation of generosity in giving or service to others. the Cross. On Good Friday there is also the solemn liturgy of the Day when all are invited to venerate the Cross and The word Lent is a very powerful Choral Evensong with the singing of a shortened form Crucifixus by Antonio Lotti. of an Old English word for spring, Good Friday also sees the Christians Together in Ely Walk probably related of Witness through the city which finishes at the Cathedral to the same word with a brief act of worship and refreshments. There will from which we be children’s activities and worship that morning in the get length, as in Cathedral from 10am to which all are invited. the lengthening of daylight at The Easter feast, our celebration of the resurrection of this time of year. Jesus Christ from the dead is marked in dramatic fashion Other languages at the Easter Vigil on Easter Eve at 8pm with the Lighting reveal different of the Easter Fire and the ceremonies surrounding Baptism aspects of the and Confirmation of new Christians. In the earliest days season - the Latin of the Church’s life this was the time when all those who and Greek words had been preparing were admitted for the first time to are based on the communion. forty days from the beginning of On Easter Day the season until morning the 10.30am Easter. The word service is an Orchestral forty appears Eucharist. Festal often in the Bible Evensong that - 40 days of the flood that rained on Noah’s ark, 40 years afternoon at 4pm is of the people of Israel wandering in the wilderness, 40 the final service at days Jesus fasted in the desert - and so on. In some middle which Paul Trepte will European languages and in Russian the season is simply direct the choir after called the (great) Fast. 29 years as Director of Music. There will The new Lent, Holy Week and Easter pamphlet is crammed be a reception in the full of special services and activities which help us to focus for the our thoughts and prayers in this great season. We are whole congregation, fortunate to welcome several eminent visiting preachers, including those who including Bishop Rowan Williams; there are opportunities have travelled to mark for reflecting in prayer through music and meditation, this special moment. at the evocative night service of Compline, the Friday Eucharists with Lent lunch and so on. In conjunction with Pick up a copy of our Lent, Holy Week and Easter pamphlet the Diocese’s Setting God’s people free programme there from the Cathedral or browse a copy on our website. will be discussions of different aspects of the ‘Way of Life’ and setting our faith in the context of Everyday God. God Every Day.

6 MUSIC AND WORSHIP

As Paul Trepte prepares to step down as Director of Music Holy Week Services on Easter Sunday, a number of special events mark this momentous juncture in the Cathedral’s life. Monday 15 April 7.30pm | Stations of the Cross. The first event in the calendar is an Audience with Paul Trepte Tuesday 16 April 8pm | Candlelit Choral Compline on Thursday 14 March. This offers a relaxed and convivial forum with Address by Canon Victoria Johnson. for the outgoing Director of Music to reflect on his life and work at Ely. Admission is £5, including wine and canapés. Proceeds Wednesday 17 April 7.30pm | A Sequence of Music to the Choir Tour Fund. Hosted by Canon Victoria Johnson, the and Readings. Music includes Lamentations Tallis evening comprises musical contributions from the Community and Jeremiae Paul Trepte. Choir, Lower voices and King’s Barbers. Maundy Thursday 10.30am | Chrism Eucharist with Worthy of note is Paul’s final organ recital in this post at 7pm on the Blessing of Oils and Renewal of Ordination Monday 8 April. It was under his leadership that the Cathedral Vows. Organ was restored at the beginning of the millennium, 7.30pm | Evening Eucharist of the Last Supper with ensuring that it is still widely regarded as one of the country’s washing of feet commemorating Jesus’ institution finest. Admission is free. Paul promises a varied and entertaining of the Eucharist and his command to ‘love one programme. another as I have loved you’. Address given by Canon Victoria Johnson. This dramatic service Paul’s compositional output is prolific, and Holy Week in concludes with the reading of Jesus’ arrest and particular sees performances of several of his works. These include imprisonment the night before his trial and the Jeremiae on Wednesday 17 April, which takes as its inspiration symbolic stripping of the altar as Psalm 22 is sung. the Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah and a new setting of A silent Watch of prayer then takes place. the St Luke Passion, heard for the first time at the 10.30am Sung Eucharist on Palm Sunday. Good Friday Midday until c.1.15pm | Preaching of the Cross - addresses given by Canon Victoria There could scarcely be a more fitting time than Easter Sunday Johnson, with hymns and readings. to conclude a career at Ely Cathedral and the services on that 1.30pm - 3pm | The Liturgy of the Day with the day reflect many of Paul’s influences and passions. The Festal singing of the Passion Gospel by Victoria and the Eucharist at 10.30am is enhanced by orchestral accompaniment Veneration of the Cross in which all are invited to from Ely Sinfonia. Evensong on Easter Sunday concludes with participate. the Te Deum written for King’s College, Cambridge by Herbert 5.30pm | Choral Evensong. A solemn act of worship Howells, not only one of the most influential church composers for Good Friday. of the last century, but also Paul’s composition teacher in his early years, to whom this choice pays tribute. Holy Saturday 5.30pm | Evensong sung to plainsong. King’s Barbers is composed of former choristers now in the Senior 8pm | Easter Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation section of King’s Ely. All received their formative musical training with the Bishop presiding. The first celebration of under Paul Trepte. Tristan Harding, now in his final year at King’s, Easter, with the Lighting of the Easter Fire, Paschal speaks warmly of that education: ‘I believe that the success of Candle and admission of new Christians to baptism the choir under Mr Trepte’s tenure has largely been down to the and communion. This is a beautiful service at which unwavering respect which he has commanded over each and every we greet Easter in a dramatic and joyful way giving one of his choristers. This respect is one which is cultivated from thanks for the faith that is within us. that first occasion when an accidental is ignored during Evensong, and a quick glance from those bespectacled eyes is enough to Easter Day 8.15am | A quiet, said service of Holy prevent such a mistake from occurring ever again. It is a respect Communion using the traditional language of the which is developed through the accomplishment of the seemingly Book of Common Prayer with a short address. impossible, but above all, it is a respect which is sealed upon the 10.30am | Orchestral Eucharist with the Ely Sinfonia, acknowledgement that this inspirational and endlessly talented Mozart’s Coronation Mass and the ever popular musician’s most admirable quality is his indefatigable dedication Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s ‘The ’. The to daily choral excellence. I am sure that, like me, each and every president and preacher will be The Bishop. person who has performed the Opus Dei under his watchful eye will 4pm | Festal Evensong and Procession feel honoured to have served under a director with whose distinction Music by C.V. Stanford, Paul Trepte and Herbert Ely Cathedral has been blessed for almost three decades.’ Howells’ Te Deum (Collegium Regale) concludes our Easter Day celebrations. 7 EVENTS / CONCERTS

Ely Cathedral Science Festival The Sky’s The Limit 18 May - 9 June

Ely Cathedral will be hosting a spectacular science event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and explore what the future holds for humanity.

Lift up your eyes and experience the Museum of the Moon, a 7 metre diameter lunar replica hovering above the Cathedral’s nave. Come and explore the wonders of space through themed activity nights, an interactive ‘space’ exhibition including space suits and meteorites. Experience the National Space Centre’s Star Dome and immerse yourself in talks on space travel, aliens and the future of our planet given by leading experts including the Astronomer Royal and presenters from The Sky at Night.

The Museum of the Moon by UK artist Luke Jerram will be on display in the magnificent nave throughout the Science Festival. The moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. The internally lit replica is at an approximate scale of 1:500,000 so each centimetre represents 5km of the moon’s surface. This amazing installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround-sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award Museum of the Moon winning composer Dan Jones.

Orbiting around the Museum of the Moon will be intriguing and inspiring exhibits including a replica of the Space suit worn by Neil Armstrong, an ancient star atlas, astronomical diagrams from the seventeenth century and the first ever printed map of the moon on loan from the Institute of Astronomy. There will be fragments of Meteorites collected from around the world and space food for astronauts. This includes a bacon sandwich made in collaboration with Heston Blumenthal for Tim Peake’s trip to the International Space Station, containing the first piece of bread in space since 1965. The quirkiest item in the exhibition has to be a space toilet- because we are still only human!

There will also be exhibits from the Cambridge Science Centre and a stunning lunar-inspired art exhibition Moon-shot: Woman on the Moon by ESERO-space Ambassador, Helen Schell. These large scale works of art will utilise the magnificent setting of the Cathedral and encourage visitors to explore all the space themed exhibits on display. A full programme is available on the Cathedral website and Science Festival flyer. In addition a major Schools’ Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock programme will run alongside with support from The Royal Institution, The Whipple Museum, National Space Centre and the Institute of Astronomy.

The Festival will be launched on Monday 20 May with a special service of Choral Evensong. Everyone is invited to this celebratory service led by our Cathedral Choirs. The music will be out of this world and there will be a world premiere performance of a new Science Festival Commission by Composer Tim Watts, Artist in Residence at The Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University. After the service, we move straight into our first ‘Night at the Cathedral’ Evening. Let your imagination wander as you explore the numerous Science Festival exhibits. There will be the opportunity to participate in interactive displays including Robotics, Meteorites, Space Science and Molecular Biology. Visitors will be encouraged to handle some of the exciting range of rocks from the moon. One of the highlights is a 20 minute tour of the night sky inside a six metre wide ‘Star Dome’ belonging to the National Space Centre. In addition, there will be musical and liturgical responses to the theme, including a big-band concert ‘Fly me to the Moon’, a cosmic organ recital and a special service of Compline by Moonlight.

The Science Festival is supported by the ’s, Scientists in Congregations Award. Full details available at www.elycathedral.org. Dallas Campbell 8 EVENTS / CONCERTS

STAINED GLASS MUSEUM’S ‘AN EVENING OF SONGS AND SONNETS’ 40TH BIRTHDAY WITH MALCOLM GUITE Saturday 30 March | 10.30am - 4.30pm Friday 10 May | 7.30pm

The Stained Join Poet, Priest and Author Glass Museum Malcolm Guite for an Evening of will celebrate 40 Songs and Sonnets. All profits to years of opening aid Christian Aid. to the public. To celebrate this landmark birthday, the museum will open its doors for FREE for the day.* RETROSPECTIVE A range of activities suitable for all the family will be taking place CANDLEMAS throughout the day - including demonstrations, crafts and tours. Whether you are revisiting this unique collection, or visiting for the first time, come and be inspired and learn something new.

*Please note, free entry applies to The Museum only. Some activities will take place in the museum gallery (accessed by 40 steps) and others on the ground floor.

ELY SINFONIA - VERDI REQUIEM Saturday 4 May | 7.30pm

Almost all of Verdi’s most performed works are operas. But one, his Ely Sinfonia presents The Feast of Candlemas this year was celebrated at a Requiem, is probably special evening Eucharist attended by nearly 500 people. performed almost Candlelight illuminated the Nave pillars and walls. The Verdi’s more than any of his choir performed Vierne’s Messe Solennelle. The music of Sir other compositions. REQUIEM John Tavener, Cecilia McDowall and Praetorius spanned Yet he almost didn’t many centuries and was sung from St Etheldreda’s Chapel, Ely Cathedral write it. ‘There are so the Octagon, the and the West End of the Saturday 4th May 2019 | 7.30pm many, many masses Aoife O’Connell Soprano Cathedral which created a fitting end to the extended Freya Jacklin Mezzo-soprano for the dead. It would Michael Solomon Williams Tenor be pointless to add Christmas season. We recalled Jesus being brought to the Laurence Williams Bass Temple for the first time, when Simeon took him in his with the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus and Ely Sinfonia one more’, he said Conductor: Steve Bingham arms and said ‘Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in Tickets: Available from: to a friend. But then £25 (premium) Ely Cathedral Box O ce £20/£15 (reserved) Tel: 01353 660349 peace…mine eyes have seen thy salvation’. We heard those £8 (unreserved) Email: box.o [email protected] Rossini died and Verdi Concessions £15 in £20 seats www.elycathedral.org/events reversed his decision words sung to the music of Geoffrey Burgon (Tinker, Tailor,

By kind permission of the Dean and Chapter Soldier, Spy) and Charles Wood. We were very fortunate to www.elysinfonia.co.uk Registered charity 1161642 and collaborated with eleven other Italian have Bishop Tim Stevens to preach who spoke movingly composers to produce a joint Requiem. His particular on the light that Christ brings into the world. The service contribution was the Libera Me, which three years later he concluded with the whole congregation lighting their used as the basis for his Requiem for Alessandro Manzoni, an own candles and gathering around the font as we turned author and great Italian patriot who shared many of Verdi’s focus from the crib towards the Cross in anticipation of political ideals. For this concert, Ely Sinfonia joins forces Lent. Chapter is very grateful to everyone who made the with King’s Lynn Festival Chorus to perform Verdi’s religious service possible, especially our musicians and operations masterpiece, which is one of the best loved requiems ever department joined by a team of candle lighters. written.

9 FOCUS ON

Paul Trepte, Director of Music at Ely Cathedral 1990 - 2019

How did your interest / career in orchestra (The City of Birmingham with adults and settle down to meetings music begin? Symphony Orchestra). More important and admin. The truth is that most of I arranged piano lessons myself with than all that, I met and married Sally. my daytimes have been spent in front the local piano teacher - without first She and I have always been a team. of a computer rather than making consulting my parents, who were From Worcester I went on to become music. There is a rhythm about the way bemused but very supportive. My Director of Music at St Mary’s Collegiate one week succeeds another and this piano teacher soon introduced me Church, Warwick where I had my first dictates the content of the rehearsal to Donald Webster who was at that opportunities to initiate recording schedules which I plan in great detail time Assistant Organist at projects, BBC Choral and in order to be sure to get everything Church (now Leeds ). Donald choir tours abroad. Our daughter, Sara covered. The enemy is always time, Webster persuaded my parents that I was born in Warwick. Then it was on to and it’s very easy to make the mistake should audition to sing as a boy in the as Director of getting bogged down in too much choir at Leeds. There I met Donald Hunt, of music where my main task was to detail so that some other tricky corner organist and choirmaster at Leeds, who implement the wish of the Cathedral of some piece remains unrehearsed – so nurtured me in all things musical, giving authorities there to replace the mixed it’s helpful to have the equivalent of an me organ tuition and inviting me to gender soprano line with a boys only agenda for any rehearsal. The content become accompanist for Halifax Choral top line. (How things change!) of the music list is planned on a termly Society. He also allowed me to develop basis but the detailed schedules for the all the skills I would need to launch my What were your first impressions of choristers and lay clerks are planned career, and prepared me for entrance to Ely? monthly. I think of the year in two ways New College, Oxford. Sally and I happened to visit Ely for at the same time: the succession of the the first time when we were on our church seasons and the succession of What were you doing before joining honeymoon. We attended an evensong the three school terms. Much planning Ely Cathedral? sung by the lay clerks only and had a for the Michaelmas term is done during I was appointed Assistant organist at good look around – obviously without the summer months so that there is whilst studying knowing that we would end up here. time when September arrives to think for a BMus at Oxford. At Worcester Ely struck us as a small and rather cold carefully about Advent and Christmas I did most of the organ playing and place, but Sally commented on the very detail. The musical thinking about was responsible for the Cathedral’s fine market. When we moved into The Epiphany, Candlemas, Lent and Easter voluntary choir which consisted of Old Sacristy it felt vast and chilly, but must also be done before Christmas boys and men. I also taught music at also very grand. I was of course excited otherwise it becomes a rush in early The King’s School, Worcester and was to have musical charge of such an January. The summer term often closely involved in the famous Three inspiring and famous building and an involves thinking about a concert Choirs Festivals. I wrote an anthem for associated choir school. Ely seemed to project (eg the science festival concert). the opening service of the 1981 festival us to be a very traditional environment A concert tour abroad may intervene at which I conducted. That was my first and somewhat set in its ways. We were any time, and the planning often begins experience of conducting a professional always conscious in those early days at least a year in advance. that the Cathedral was short of money.

What does the role of Director of Music involve on a daily, weekly, yearly basis? I could write several lengthy novels about all that! No day is the same as any other, but the prime joy is always been the requirement to make music in the context of worship. During term time my weekdays start with the boys’ morning rehearsal which is of 55 minutes duration. The hard work and learning is done at that time of day. The trick is to channel all their young energy into the singing. After the early morning rehearsal I have to interact

10 You must have seen so many changes Tell us about the most memorable It was very moving to sing in the Church at the Cathedral over the years, tell services, events, concerts, tours that of St Paul Without the Walls so close to us about some of them. you have been a part of? the resting place of my favourite Saint. Here are a few that immediately spring I think some of the most memorable A particularly imaginative tour was the to mind: , Deans and Chapter services have been the ones which one to France organised in conjunction members have come and gone. We some might think “ordinary”. It is with Canon Peter Sills, following currently have two female members wonderful when the choir is suddenly Via Podiensis - one of the famous of Chapter Clergy - an excellent thing. on peak form on a cold Thursday night pilgrimage routes. Although that tour School pupils have become students in January when there is hardly anyone had its challenges in terms of travel and the School Head has become the in the congregation. I much prefer such and accommodation we all had great School Principal. The is no occasions to the more ceremonial ones fun and it was spiritually especially longer a minor canon. The number attended by the great and good. Of rewarding. of Cathedral office staff has increased the many larger scale services which approximately ten-fold. When I arrived preoccupy us around Christmas and What aspect of Cathedral life will you in Ely I had responsibility for just one Easter my favourite has always been miss the most? choir of boys and men. We now have the Advent Procession. This service I shall definitely miss the early morning the Girls, The Ely Imps, The Octagon offers many opportunities to use the rehearsals with the boys, who are at Singers, a Compline Choir and a sacred space in an imaginative way, their best at that time of day. For many Community Choir. We also have a huge and it was for this service that I wrote years I have relied on them to wake me pool of extra adult singers. All choristers what I consider to be one of my best up and give me my first laughs of the now have individual singing lessons, pieces: a setting of the Advent Prose day. I shall miss the daily rhythm of all and the lay clerks are encouraged to which features two treble soloists: rehearsals and sung services. It has also do likewise. There is no such thing as one singing from the Octagon Angel been a privilege to work with so many a Canon Treasurer any more, but there windows and the other from the clock inspiring colleagues who show so much is a Cathedral Administrator. There devotion to Cathedral life. has been a gigantic increase in the number of meetings needed to make What are you plans for the future? the Cathedral function as smoothly as it The big excitement for Sally and me does. Safeguarding eats up days if not will be the birth of our first grandchild weeks of time and attention. in May. I shall be doing more examining for The Associated Board of The Royal What do you consider to be your Schools of Music, including a trip to greatest achievements during your Singapore in late summer. Most of all I time at Ely? am looking forward to composing. Even The maintenance of choral standards if the muse does not strike immediately and the traditional makeup of the I have many sketches to develop. Top of English Cathedral Choir (boys and the list will be a carol I sketched whilst men) has been maintained during my tower at the West end. Some of my on holiday in Guernsey last summer. My watch, but also enhanced. Choristers concert memories relate to my earlier intention was to work on that piece in continue to board here. It’s a very days when, for example, the Cathedral time to include it in our 2018 Christmas special experience when associated Choir gave several performances both repertoire, but admin intervened with the choral tradition - despite all in the Cathedral and in London of and made it impossible. I would like the questions asked about its future. It Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St John to resume teaching - both academic is a privilege to be able to observe how Passion. In more recent times our home and at the keyboard. I actually enjoy choristers thrive and succeed at King’s concerts have had to be popular in style playing the piano at least as much as Ely when they leave the choir. I hope I and content. The main annual carol playing the organ so I shall look out have managed to put worship Opus Dei concerts have always been fun and for opportunities to be involved in first, even though so much work has to clearly much enjoyed by audiences. As Chamber Music making. be done to facilitate concerts, tours and to foreign tours, each and every one of special events (which I like to call ‘the those has been an adventure and I have Will we still see you at the Cathedral? icing on the cake’). I have often been many happy memories of them all. The I intend to stay out of Edmund’s way. I required to come out of my comfort choir’s two trips to Poland were definite have learnt much from my predecessor, zone in order to meet the demands highlights, likewise a trip to Northern Arthur Wills, who has always been a of unusual concert projects. The most Italy where the concerts always began good friend to me during my tenure, but obvious examples have been the late but where the huge audiences who never ever criticised or attempted swing concerts and the Science Festival were particularly appreciative (when to intervene. If I do occasionally pop in (that was the concert where I had an they eventually decide to turn up!) After to the odd weekday service I will in any argument with a dalek!) I have written singing in Northern Italy we went on to case want to be at the back of the nave much music for the Cathedral choir, and Rome where all our planned concerts where the sound of the singing is very some of it seems to have worked well in did happen - but not necessarily on the clear. performance. day or at the time planned! 11 MARCH Friday 29 Thursday 9 Saturday 2 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert 7.30pm Cambridge Chorale Concert Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) Neil Colledge Piano Sunday 3 - Sunday next before Lent Saturday 30 Friday 10 Monday 4 10.30am Stained Glass Museum 7.30pm An evening of poetry and music 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Concert 40th Birthday Family Fun Day with Malcolm Guite University of South Dakota Sunday 31 - Mothering Sunday Saturday 11 Chamber Singers 12.30pm Walsingham Cell Mass (Lady Chapel) Tuesday 5 APRIL Sunday 12 - 3rd Sunday of Easter 6.15pm The Choristers’ Pancake Race Tuesday 2 Tuesday 14 - Mathias the Apostle and Big Pancake Party 1pm Music and Meditation for Lent 12.10pm Holy Communion Wednesday 6 - Ash Wednesday 9pm Compline (Lady Chapel) Thursday 16 12.10pm Holy Communion with Wednesday 3 Ely Cathedral Business Group the Imposition of Ashes 6.30pm Launch Event for Cathedral Celebration of Business 7.30pm Solemn Eucharist with Environment Group - ‘Renew’ Saturday 18 the Imposition of Ashes Friday 5 5pm RSCM Festival Service Friday 8 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by Saturday 18 May - 9 June 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) ELY CATHEDRAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) Sunday 7 - 5th Sunday in Lent THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Saturday 9 Monday 8 For a full list of Science Festival events 12.30pm Walsingham Cell Mass (Lady Chapel) 10am Easter Craft Family Drop-in please visit www.elycathedral.org Sunday 10 - 1st Sunday of Lent 7pm Organ Recital Paul Trepte 6.30pm Taizé Service (Lady Chapel) Tuesday 9 Sunday 19 - 4th Sunday of Easter Tuesday 12 1pm Music and Meditation for Lent 2pm East Anglian Regional 1pm Music and Meditation for Lent 9pm Compline (Lady Chapel) Transplant Service, 9pm Compline (Lady Chapel) Wednesday 10 Service of Remembrance Thursday 14 10am Easter Craft Family Drop-in and Thanksgiving 7.30pm An Audience with Paul Trepte Friday 12 Sunday 26 - 5th Sunday of Easter Friday 15 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by Monday 27 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Concert Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) Saturday 13 University of London Chamber Choir 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert 7.30pm Ely Choral Society Thursday 30 - Ascension Day Guildhall Saxophone Ensemble ‘The Music Makers’ 10.30am Retired Clergy Eucharist Saturday 16 Sunday 14 - Palm Sunday 7.30pm Sung Eucharist 1.10pm Lady Chapel Lunchtime Concert 4pm A Prelude to Holy Week Friday 31 - Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary Singers to Elizabeth 5.30pm ‘Come and Sing’ Evensong HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES 12.10pm Holy Communion Sunday 17 - 2nd Sunday in Lent SEE PAGE 7 Tuesday 19 - Joseph of Nazareth 12.10pm Holy Communion Friday 19 - Good Friday Ely Cathedral 1pm Music and Meditation for Lent 10am Children’s Good Friday Activities 9pm Compline (Lady Chapel) and Worship Community Choir Wednesday 20 Sunday 28 - 1st Sunday of Easter Sing again! 1.10pm Lunchtime Live Concert Monday 29 - George, Patron of England King’s Ely Music 12.10pm Holy Communion Back by ever-increasing popular demand, the Community Choir will Thursday 21 pop-up again to sing at major events in the Spring: An Audience with Tuesday 30 - Mark the Evangelist Paul Trepte on 14th March and The Science Festival ‘Nights at the 1.10pm Lunchtime Concert 12.10pm Holy Communion Cathedral’ on 20th and 29th May. Rehearsals in the Song School (Enter through Door in South Nave ) Julie Bale (Soprano) from 12.30pm-1pm on the following dates: John Wyatt (Piano) Monday 11th Feb Tuesday 26th March MAY Tuesday 19th Feb Monday 1st April Friday 22 Thursday 28th Feb Thursday 11th April Wednesday 1 - Philip and James th th 12.10pm Holy Communion followed by Tuesday 5 March Tuesday 30 April Lent Lunch (Lady Chapel) 12.10pm Holy Communion Monday 11th March Thursday 9th May 7.30pm Hills Road Sixth Form College Thursday 16th May Sunday 24 - 3rd Sunday of Lent The only audition for this choir is that you SMILE! Spring Concert Monday 25 - The Annunciation of Our No previous singing experience necessary! Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday 4 Everybody welcome! 12.10pm Holy Communion 7.30pm Verdi Requiem Ely Sinfonia Tuesday 26 with King’s Lynn Festival Chorus 1pm Music and Meditation for Lent Sunday 5 - 2nd Sunday of Easter 9pm Compline (Lady Chapel)

Copies are available in the Cathedral, Cathedral Gift Shops, Ely Cathedral, The , Octagon Refectory Café and Almonry Restaurant. The College, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DL Magazine Electronic copies can be viewed at www.elycathedral.org.  01353 667735 | www.elycathedral.org Comments or suggestions for Octagon are welcome. Please direct them to: [email protected] Follow us on Images © Simon Galloway, James Billings, Timothy Selvage, Keith Heppell, ECPL. Issue 8 - Summer edition available June.