Christmas choirmaster's fondness for blending contemporary and traditional tunes in the repertoire
Tim Parsons Takes the Helm at Wells Cathedral for the Holiday Season
Tim Parsons, a renowned musician who previously served at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk, has taken on a new role as director of music and organist at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, effective September 1.
Wells Cathedral, a historical institution founded in 909, is renowned for its music program and mixed choir of 19 girls and 14 boys. The choir, under Parsons' leadership, is set to perform a series of Christmas services this season.
However, details about the schedule and repertoire for these services, including the participation of Kate Green, another notable figure in the music scene, are yet to be announced. The Cathedral's official website and music department have not yet released specific information about the Christmas services involving Parsons and Green.
Parsons finds the mix of modern and ancient Christmas repertoire, including medieval texts and recent compositions, particularly appealing. He has expressed a preference for the hymn carol "Silent Night" for its simple melody, lovely harmonies, and the story behind its creation.
Kate Green, an author of 10 books and an equestrian reporter at four Olympic Games, resides in west Somerset to be near Exmoor. She shares her home with her Jack Russell terrier Checkers.
The Christmas schedule for the choir at Wells Cathedral includes three candlelight services, two Nine Lessons and Carols concerts, Midnight Mass, and Christmas morning service. Parsons has planned a mix of modern and traditional settings for these services, including an annually commissioned carol by Piers Connor Kennedy.
Britten's Ceremony of Carols is a speciality at Wells Cathedral and is performed every year for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, of which the Duchess of Edinburgh is the patron. The Trust provides bursaries for talented children to attend the choir school.
For those interested in staying updated on the Christmas services at Wells Cathedral, we recommend checking the Cathedral’s official website or contacting their music department directly closer to the Christmas season for the most accurate and updated information.
This news comes as part of the 2024 Christmas double issue of our platform, featuring an article on Tim Parsons. To read more about his journey and the upcoming Christmas services at Wells Cathedral, be sure to sign up for our Newsletter or order a copy of the issue.
Tim Parsons, as the new director of music and organist at Wells Cathedral, will engage in the esteemed music program, overseeing a series of Christmas services featuring a mix of modern and traditional repertoire.
During his tenure, Parsons' choir at Wells Cathedral will perform Britten's Ceremony of Carols, a continued tradition at the historical institution.
