A Day to Remember at St Paul’s Cathedral

It was a day of sunshine, history, and soaring music. Last Monday, Thames Philharmonic Choir, led by Harry Bradford and joined by organists James Orford and Richard Leach, had the immense honour of providing the music for the evening Eucharist Service for St Michael and All Angels at

St Paul’s Cathedral.

Before the service, Cathedral guides Peter and Paul led us on a fascinating tour, taking us back to the Cathedral’s origins in 604. We traced its journey from the consecration of the first cathedral church (one of five!) on this site to its destruction in the Great Fire of London and its magnificent rebirth under Sir Christopher Wren between 1668 and 1711. What struck many of us was how the Cathedral’s character evolved – from Wren’s original, austere vision to the richly decorated Victorian style we see today.

The afternoon was spent rehearsing in the same room where the Cathedral’s choristers prepare for services – a space buzzing with musical heritage. “What an experience for those young choristers,” said soprano Marieka. “I envy their training!”

Later, as we stepped under the Cathedral’s stunning dome, the challenge became clear: how to blend our voices within that immense acoustic. “Don’t listen to the organ,” Harry reminded us with a grin. “Follow me!”

Bass Ian marvelled at how the choir’s sound filled the space: “I was immediately struck by the thought – how do we fill this space with our music? But I needn’t have worried. The genius of Sir Christopher Wren meant that we could fill this enormous and beautiful space with our music without too much effort – and even better with the support of our conductor Harry Bradford and James Orford on the mighty Willis Organ.”

For Alto Veronica the most special moment was singing the offertory anthem by Bullock ‘Give us the Wings of Faith’. “The combination of the beautiful words from Isaac Watts’s poem and the soaring melody that ends so peacefully was absolutely magical."

Soprano Elisabeth summed up the experience perfectly: “Having the opportunity to sing at St Paul’s Cathedral was stupendous! Not just singing the hymns and Howells’ setting of the communion service but every element of the Eucharist, which was led with such dignity and reverence. It was an overwhelming, magnificent and beautiful experience as our voices echoed around the Cathedral, together with James’ incredible organ playing. It felt like we were almost transported to glory!”

We’re grateful to James for making our participation possible, to the clergy and staff at St Paul’s for their warm welcome, and to Harry for his inspiring leadership. It was a day that reminded us why we sing – to share beauty, reverence, and joy.A day we won't forget.