An overview of music and the choir at St Peter's

Music has always played an important role in the life of St Peter’s since its foundation in 1848. The current building, raised in 1879, has been the home of a long-standing choral tradition. The William Hill organ, purchased in 1888, is a historic instrument in its own right, and, despite the fire of April 2008, will continue to play a significant part in the worship of this community. During 2009-2010 the organ was to be repaired and restored. During those years the choir and congregation were accompanied by a small electronic instrument on loan.

Over the years, the life of the choir has been full of services and fund-raising concerts, particularly in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries. At various times the directors of music have been some of Wellington’s foremost musicians.

With the changing social scene and population shift to the suburbs, the choir’s focus has also altered. The concerts (which were community events) have given way to television and other community activities. The concentration has shifted to liturgical music on Sunday mornings (and the occasional evening). This has resulted in a smaller choir, though still of reasonable parish standard.

Music at Services

Over the years there have been a variety of musical styles promoted to engage differing groups of worshipers.

At present the primary Sunday morning service, at 10 am, is a sung Eucharist with choir. The choir also sings for Evensong at 5 pm when there are five Sundays in a calendar month, though the timing and frequency of this service is under discussion. New singers always welcome.

Once each month there is a service based on the model of the Taize community in France. Instrumentalists of all kinds are heartily welcome, as are singers. Rehearsal times will be arranged with those concerned, but would certainly include time before the service at 7 pm on Sunday evening.

There is also the future possibility of forming a handbell choir, as the church has a partial set, presently in need of refurbishment. This is a great option for those who say they “can’t sing” but would like to become involved.

With the restoration of the organ, the church intends to hold a series of concerts in 2011, which it is hoped will be the first of many. In addition, the church is “home base” for the choir Cantoris.  Check out their website here.