A group of singers dedicated to performing The Glorious Cathedral music of England and Europe
About the Andreas Ensemble
Why was it formed?
The Andreas Ensemble, first formed in Spring 2005 in Bishop Auckland, offers a wonderful opportunity for capable amateur singers to rise to the challange of performing music from our glorious heritage of church music, the music of the great cathedral choirs of England and of Europe, alongside secular items like madrigals and part-songs.
The Andreas Ensemble is an occasional choir, performing not only in St. Andrew’s from time to time, but in other churches and locations around the region. It is by nature inter-church and inter-denominational and in no sense competes with parish choirs singing every Sunday in their own churches; indeed two of our members are Choirmasters in other churches some distance away.
Who sings in the Andreas Ensemble?
This is a friendly and enthusiastic chamber choir, which sets itself high standards of choral singing, drawing singers with a real love of church music from all over Co. Durham and from churches of all denominations, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican and others, but including individuals not currently associated with any particular religious organisation.
Where does it meet?
The Ensemble rehearses each week, on Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.00 pm, in the striking medieval surroundings of Bishop Auckland's "mini-cathedral", the 13th century St. Andrew's, South Church, reputedly the largest parish church in County Durham.
What sort of performances does the Andreas Ensemble undertake?
The choir performs 5 or 6 times a year in a variety of venues and localities.
Performances to date have included full choral evensongs and other special choir services for Harvest Festival, Palm Sunday, Trinity Sunday, Christmas and Lent in the Bishop Auckland area, Carols by Candlelight with mulled wine and singing at particular events like the Brancepeth Flower Festival, the Bowes Museum Christmas Market, a workshop exploring the Advent and Christmas Lutheran chorales and a recent concert for trumpet and organ.
The Andreas Ensemble is also available to sing services in other churches of all denominations, for weddings and to take part in concerts and other festivities.
A lively and friendly group
The Ensemble is a friendly group, encompassing people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, who enjoy a good social life together in addition to their musical activity.
What about joining in?
If you are interested in joining the Andreas Ensemble, members are required to:
a) have some ability to read music or be prepared to make an intensive effort to learn
b) have a reasonable choral voice and be able, with training to sing in tune and in time.
We are looking now to expand our numbers with new singers in all voice registers.
If you would like to join The Andreas Ensemble or would like to find out more, please contact Brian Varley, BA(Oxon) ARCO, Organist of St.Andrew's on (01388) 606075 or email: brianvarley@orpheusmail.co.uk
We’ll be delighted to hear from you.
The Andreas Ensemble performing before a full audience at a concert in St. Andrew's, Bishop Auckland on May 3rd 2008
A date for your diary:
The Andreas Ensemble sings at the Church of the Ascension, Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough, TS3 7JR
Saturday, 15th November, at 7.30 pm
Music includes Liszt Missa Choralis (Kyrie & Gloria), Purcell Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in G minor, Palestrina "Exsultate Deo"
O nata lux: Thomas Tallis
Press STOP to avoid simultaneous playback of more then one track if current track not yet finished playing
Now listen to some other live recordings of the Andreas Ensemble
Psalm 65 (Harvest)
The Lord's Prayer: Bernard Rose
Magnificat: Stanford in Bb
Russian Liturgical music: We sing to Thee (Tebe poem): D. Bortnianski
Advent hymn "Lo, He comes with clouds descending"
Benedictus & Agnus Dei from 4-part Mass: Byrd
Carol: Joys Seven
Jesus Christ the apple tree
- certainly not perfect, but there are, we hope, some lovely moments to enjoy!
