What is Evensong?
Each chapel usually has a service sheet for you to follow.
However, once you’re seated in chapel, the service will go something like this.
INTROIT
Sometimes (but not always) the choir sings a piece before they sit down or immediately they arrive in their seats.
PRECES AND RESPONSES
This is basically sung prayers from the choir & priest.
THE PSALM
Sung by the choir to a (usually) harmonized ‘chant’. The chant is repeated with each verse. There will usually be a book in front of you so you can follow the psalm words if you wish.
THE MAGNIFICAT
A musical setting of the words of Mary, mother of Jesus, rejoicing at the prospect of Christ’s birth.
THE NUNC DIMITTUS
A musical setting of the Song of Simeon – an old man who, once he had met Jesus, declared himself happy to die in peace because of the fulfilment he felt from the meeting.
ANTHEM
Another choral piece, usually setting words from the Bible.
HYMN
Sometimes the service ends with a hymn for choir and congregation to sing together. There will usually be a hymnbook in front for you and the priest will tell you the number of the hymn before it starts.
ORGAN VOLUNTARY
An organ piece played while the choir and clergy process out.
When you can go
- Check each chapel “music list” for exact dates. You can find all the links on our Oxford and Cambridge pages
- The ‘music list’ detailing what’s being sung is published around a week or two before each term starts
- The choral services are held in chapel during term time only
- That means generally early October to early December, mid-January to mid-March, then late April to mid-June
- Two of the Cambridge choirs also do an extra two weeks in the first half of July
- Apart from a few special services in the year, there’s no restriction on who can come. Everyone’s welcome and they love to have you visit
How it all works
Here’s a few tips to help you feel comfortable about how it all works.
- Come to the college front gate – to what’s known as the ‘Porters’ Lodge’. Always say to the porter on duty that you’re going to Evensong. They need to know as they have to manage security
- If you’re bringing a big party of people (usually 10+ people), try and get in touch with the chapel administrator to ask them if that’s OK. Most will be delighted that you want to bring a group in
- If you’re not sure where the chapel is, ask the porter. They’ll be pleased to direct you
- Arrive 10-15 minutes before the service starts. Don’t come earlier that 15 minutes prior because the choir will probably still be rehearsing and you won’t be able to get in
- When you enter the chapel, there’s usually someone to tell you where you can sit. Ask them to guide you. Please sit exactly where they say – some areas may be reserved just for members of college!
- Remember this is a quiet and contemplative service, so do avoid loud chatting!
- Please dress modestly. There’s no problem with jeans and t-shirts, but since you are in a church, shoulders, legs and tummies should be covered. Anyhow, it’s usually cool in these chapels, so you don’t want to get chilly!
- Please sit and stand as directed in the service sheet. If you don’t want to kneel, just sit instead
- Please wait until the choir, priest (usually ‘chaplain’) has processed out before you leave. The organist often plays a short piece (a ‘voluntary’) at the end of the service and you may want to stay and listen to that too. They’re often incredible players
- Most of all, enjoy the peace and beauty of the service and the music!