Choral services

Sung prayer has been offered in Westminster Abbey nearly every day for over a thousand years. Today, services are sung daily during term time by the world-renowned Choir of Westminster Abbey, and by visiting choirs when the Abbey Choir is in recess.

The music sung ranges from Gregorian chant dating from the first millennium to contemporary music and encompasses the remarkable richness and variety of the Anglican choral tradition.

This week's choral services

8th - 14th December 2024
Sunday, 8th December 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
10.00am Matins Quire
sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey

Ayleward Responses
Dyson Benedicite in F
Darke Chorale-Prelude on the tune 'St Peter'

Order of Service available View Order of Service
11.15am Sung Eucharist High Altar
sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey

Vierne Messe solennelle
Ledger Adam lay ybounden
Vierne Final (Symphonie III)

Preacher: The Right Reverend Anthony Ball Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster

Order of Service available View Order of Service
3.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey

Clucas Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Ayleward Responses
Tallis Magnificat octavi toni
plainsong Nunc dimittis octavi toni
Byrd Laetentur coeli et exultet terra
Mendelssohn Prelude and Fugue in C minor

Preacher: The Reverend Mark Birch MVO Canon in Residence

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Monday, 9th December 2024
5.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey

Byrd Ave Maria
plainsong Responses
Ives Magdalen Service
Poulenc Salut, dame sainte

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Tuesday, 10th December 2024
5.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Choir of Westminster

Poston Jesus Christ the apple tree
Morley Responses
Byrd The Third Service
Gibbons This is the record of John

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Thursday, 12th December 2024
5.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey

Poston Jesus Christ the apple tree
Morley Responses
Purcell Evening Service in E minor
Byrd Vigilate

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Friday, 13th December 2024
St Lucy, martyr at Syracuse, 304
5.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey

Mouton Salve nos Domine vigilantes
plainsong Responses
Jackson Truro Service
Palestrina Rorate coeli desuper

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Saturday, 14th December 2024
John of the Cross, poet, teacher of the faith, 1591
5.00pm Evensong Quire
sung by the Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey

Mouton Salve nos Domine vigilantes
plainsong Responses
Palestrina Magnificat quarti toni
Reid Nunc dimittis tertii toni
Tallis Audivi vocem de caelo
Sweelinck Fantasia chromatica

Order of Service available View Order of Service
Video available Watch this service

Everyone is welcome at these services, free of charge. Security checks are in place upon entry.