St Leonard-Mayfield’s celebrated school choir – Schola Cantorum – made a joyous return to Westminster Abbey to sing Evensong on Thursday 6th November. They were invited back after having already had the honour of singing Evensong there in January.
Mayfield’s reputation as one of the finest school choirs in the land is founded on a succession of lyrical and moving performances at a number of prestigious international venues. As well as singing at the Abbey the choir has recently sung at the Menin Gate in Belgium – especially poignant in this centenary Remembrance year. It has also sung at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Vatican and is looking forward to singing at Westminster Cathedral next year.
Mayfield’s Director of Music, Peter Collins commented: “It is always a great privilege to sing at the Abbey and I am proud of the girls for the hard work they put in to sing in a manner worthy of such a historic place.”
Following on from Evensong, a champagne reception brought together over 100 representatives of the Mayfield community, both past and present, and welcomed new friends. The return of so many Mayfield alumnae to the event proves that being a Mayfield girl does not come to an end when you leave school, the spirit and loyalty of Mayfield girls continues long after school days are finished.
“I so enjoyed evensong at Westminster Abbey and the Reception last week. I hope it becomes an annual or biennial event.” Kate Dawson (Class of 1989)
“It was a real privilege to hear the School’s Schola performing so beautifully in such a historic and atmospheric setting.” David Hankin, West Lodge School, Sidcup.