Celebrated English Choir to Sing at Wichita State
By Chris Shull, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
Mar. 25–The Eton College Choir is the premier English cathedral choir.
It’s had a lot of practice. Eton College was founded in 1440. Its choir of men and boys has sung in the original school chapel since.
The Eton College Choir, Ralph Allwood, director, and Eton College organist David Goode will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Wiedemann Hall at Wichita State University, part of the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series.
“Everyone knows the reputation of Eton,” said Robert Town, former organ professor at WSU and director of the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series since its inception in 1994.
“The choir is absolute perfection. The tuning, the diction, the shading, the blend of their choral sound is just melting.”
The group — 37 choristers aged 13 to 18 years — will sing music spanning four centuries, from Allegri’s celebrated “Miserere” from the 1600s to John Tavener’s “Song for Athene” composed in 1993. Featured will be pieces by English composers.
Goode, who played recitals in Wiedemann Hall in 2001 and 2004, will perform a solo organ improvisation by Charles Tournemire. An ensemble from the choir will also sing popular “close harmony” selections.
In the midst of a winding tour that will take the choir from Vermont to Denver, through Wichita and on to New York, Goode answered a few questions via e-mail about Eton College and its choir.
How does the Eton College Choir uphold the centuries-old English choral tradition?
We sing similar services to those sung for centuries by boys and men in cathedrals and college chapels, including here at Eton. It forms a unique liturgical tradition, and a unique musical education. We aim to train to the highest standards, and enhance the chapel worship.
Describe briefly the routine of the choir. How many hours of rehearsal do the boys attend?
It works out at roughly three hours of rehearsal a week, sometimes more if there are special events such as extra services or concerts. There are at least three sung services a week.
However, this forms a very small part of the curriculum. They study a full high school curriculum, plus nonvocal music, usually a lot of sport and many other interests such as drama or clubs.
Briefly describe English public school system as it pertains to Eton College.
We are an elite fee-paying high school (such as Exeter or Andover in the United States) that nonetheless aims to be open to anyone of talent, hard work and enthusiasm. Our students come from many backgrounds — often (especially in the case of music and academic scholars) not especially privileged backgrounds — and nationalities from all around the world.
You attended Eton College. Are the routines the same today as when you were there?
I was a boy at the school and have greatly enjoyed returning. Some things have changed — new buildings, new technology, some different ways of doing things. The instruments I play and teach are as good as ever, if not better, and the quality of student generally excellent. It’s a very stimulating environment — as much like a good liberal arts college as a high school.
What are your thoughts on returning to Wiedemann Hall and the Marcussen organ here?
It is like visiting an old friend! It is always a pleasure to perform to a discerning audience in such fine surroundings. The Marcussen is a treasure, able to do justice to the whole repertoire, which I hope will be well used and enjoyed for decades.
Reach Chris Shull at 316-268-6264 or cshull@wichitaeagle.com [mailto:cshull@wichitaeagle.com].
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Copyright (c) 2007, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
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