Music
There is a thriving music scene at Holy Trinity – it forms a major part of church life. Rather unusually for a church in this part of London, we have a strong adult choir – and this is led by Louise Bishop.
We’re always keen to welcome new people to Holy Trinity. So if you’re interested in offering your services to the church, either as a singer or as a musician, please come to a choir rehearsal or speak to Louise in church.
Choir
The choir was formed in 1998, at the instigation of our current vicar, Andrew Doyle. It now comprises about 16 experienced amateur singers, and is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. Whilst the ‘English Choral Tradition’ provides the basic repertoire, the choir is always keen to expand its scope. For example, the Festival of the Holy Trinity Cross has featured an anthem by Stuart Whatton, The Light Shineth, which was specially commissioned by the choir.
Although the choir’s primary purpose is to sing at Holy Trinity’s Sunday worship, it is also regularly invited to sing at weddings, festivals and services at other churches in the area, including Southwark Cathedral. Numbers are boosted at Christmas for the popular annual Carol Service. (Photographs from our "Out of the Ashes" concert.)
We have recently been sent a postcard of a choir outing from a few years ago.
Director of Music
Louise Bishop was appointed Director of Music at Holy Trinity in January 2009. A graduate of Jesus College, Oxford, Louise was a member of the college’s chapel choir, and toured with them to Prague, Dublin, Venice and Florence. She studied singing with Alistair Thompson. Having gained a thorough grounding and experience in the Anglican choral tradition, she has a particular love for composers of early music such as Tallis, Byrd and their contemporaries, and from the early 20th century, such as Vaughan Williams. In addition she is keen to include (in the firm belief that choral singing should be fun!) the exuberance and hyperbole of Victorian composers. Louise also sings with other choirs in London and beyond.
Louise Bishop
Organist
Organs
The gallery at the rear of the church houses a small chamber organ dating from the mid 19th century. It came from the Bishop’s Chapel, Kennington, but its earlier history is unknown. The instrument is straightforward – just a single manual (G to G compass) with 7 speaking stops and no pedals - but has a delightful period sound.
More recently, Holy Trinity has acquired a modern two-manual Allen digital organ – on long-term loan from a generous benefactor. The instrument is well equipped (particularly the pedal section), and whilst its basic specification comprises 40 speaking stops the instrument can also be programmed to include a much wider range of sounds. There are 10 general pistons, with a further 6 divisionals on the swell and on the great. Allen Organs Limited has installed and balanced the organ, and the speaker system is located in the chamber organ gallery.