Chapel Music - The University of Glasgow Chapel Choir and University Organist.
The University of Glasgow Chapel Choir provides music for services and events in the chapel and elsewhere, as well as giving concerts and recitals throughout the academic year, such as the weekly "Choral Contemplations" series in the first and second terms. It also records and tours nationally and internationally, has recorded several CDs, and is available for weddings and memorial services.
There are thirty-two regular members (a mixture of volunteers, paid choral exhibitioners and professional lay clerks) plus around ten associate singers who join us for concerts and some other events. All are auditioned regularly and receive free singing tuition.
The choir is directed by Katy Lavinia Cooper (Director of Chapel Music) and accompanied by Kevin Bowyer (University Organist)
Events and Services - COVID-19 - These will be inline with the relevant government guidelines for social distancing.
Virtual Chapel Choir events and videos.
A programme of Wednesday lunchtime organ recitals will take place in the Memorial Chapel, 1.10pm – 1.50pm, commencing October 2021.
Admission free without ticket. Generously supported by the Ferguson Bequest
The Chapel Organ was built by Henry Willis III in 1927 and was most recently refurbished by Harrison & Harrison of Durham in 2005.Please see Chapel Organ Specification
Chapel Choir Services and Events 2021-2022
Please check back for links to online events, and further details about attending events in person.
Download the music list here
Tuesday 28 September, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Contemplations I: How can I keep from singing?
Chapel Choir's first in-person performance since March 2020. A concert on the theme of singing including music by Howells, Law, Harwood and McEwen. The concert will also be streamed live.
In person - first come first served - 50 capacity.
Streamed - sign up here for the URL
Download programme (PDF)
Tuesday 5 October, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Evensong – ‘Start of Year’
A traditional evening service of words and music sung by the Chapel Choir, led by the honorary Anglican Chaplains.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Order of Service (PDF)
Tuesday 12 October, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Contemplations II – Reincarnations
Music by Samuel Barber and Mátyás Seiber
In person - first come first served - 50 capacity.
Streamed - sign up for the URL
Tuesday 19 October, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Taizé Service
A reflective service or prayer and music, led by the University Chaplain.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 2 November, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Evensong – ‘Cop26’
Including the first performance of a new work for choir by Harold Thalange, commissioned by the University of Glasgow as part of the ‘Dear Green Bothy’ project.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Mon 8 November, 12pm
Venue TBC
COP 26 Taizé Lunchtime Service
Led by members of the Taizé community and Chapel Choir
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 9 November, 12pm
Venue TBC
COP 26 Taizé Lunchtime Service
Led by members of the Taizé community and Chapel Choir
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 9 November, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Contemplations III – Singing for the Environment
Wednesday 10 November
Venue TBC
COP 26 Taizé Lunchtime Service
Led by members of the Taizé community and Chapel Choir
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Thursday 11 November
Venue TBC
COP 26 Taizé Lunchtime Service
Led by members of the Taizé community and Chapel Choir
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Thursday 11 November, 6pm
St Aloysius
COP26 Taizé Vigil
An evening vigil of Taizé music and prayer in the beautiful acoustics of St Aloysius.
Friday 12 November
Venue TBC
COP 26 Taizé Lunchtime Service
Led by members of the Taizé community and Chapel Choir
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Sunday 14 November, 10.45am
Memorial Chapel
Service of Remembrance
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 16 November, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Contemplations IV – Contrafacta and counterfeit
Tuesday 23 November
Memorial Chapel
Choral Contemplations V – Missa Solenelle, Louis Vierne
Tuesday 30 November
Memorial Chapel
Taizé Service
A reflective service or prayer and music, led by the University Chaplain.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 7 December, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Choral Evensong – ‘Advent’
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Saturday 11 December, TBC
Crichton Memorial Church
Crichton Carol Service
Music and readings for Christmas, with the Dumfries Town Band.
Sunday 12 December, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Nine Lessons and Carols
A traditional service of carols and readings.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
Tuesday 14 December, 6pm
Memorial Chapel
Family Carols
An informal carol concert with plenty of congregational singing. Christmas jumpers encouraged.
In person and streamed live via the Chaplaincy YouTube channel.
PAST ONLINE SERVICES AND CONCERTS
Chapel Choir, with UofG Chaplaincy have continued to produce concerts and services since the start of the pandemic. We have both pre recorded and streamed live (when permitted). Concerts are shared on Chapel Choir Facebook and YouTube channels, and services (with a few exceptions) on the UofG Chaplaincy YouTube channel. Links below are added after broadcast. The most recent services are at the top of the list.
Organ Recitals: The Wednesday Series 2021
Time: 1.10 - 1.50pm
Venue: University Memorial Chapel
We ask that all audience members wear masks during the event, except where exempt.
- October 13: Tiffany Vong
- October 20: Malcolm Sim
- October 27: Kevin Bowyer (COP26 concert - Missa Mundi, by Charles Camilleri)
- November 3: no concert
- November 10: Kevin Bowyer (Dedication – To The Ascended Master Light, by Keith Barnard)
- November 17: Stephen Pinnock
- November 24: Kevin Bowyer (L’Orgue Mystique, Suite No. 1, by Charles Tournemire)
Funding by the Ferguson Bequest.
Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Concerts are funded by the Ferguson Bequest. Professor Thomas Ferguson (1900-1977), Henry Mechan Chair of Public Health (1944-64), bequeathed his estate to the University, with the instruction that the money should be used to foster the social side of University life.
For future concerts, see organrecitals.com
If you would like to be included in advance email publicity for our organ concert series please drop me a line and let me know: bowyer@glasgow.ac.uk
Thank you!
Dr. Kevin Bowyer, University Organist