MUSIC AT ST. GEORGE'S

Music is at the heart of worship at St George’s, carrying on a choral tradition that is renowned throughout Ireland. We are proud to maintain one of the few remaining all-male church choirs (men and boys) in Ireland, continuing a practice of Anglican choral music that harks back centuries.

The Parish Choir of men and boys sings at our principal services, offering the timeless beauty of plainsong chant, psalms, and classical anthems in the English choral tradition. Their voices – from the clear treble tones of the chorister boys to the rich harmonies of the gentlemen – lead our congregation in worship and praise each week. St George’s longstanding commitment to choral excellence has even produced recordings and notable musicians; the very first organist of this church was the celebrated Irish musician Edward Bunting, famed for collecting traditional harp music. This legacy of musical excellence continues strong into the present day.

You can Donate to the choral fund here, every donation really helps and is greatly appreciated!

THE PARISH CHOIR

At the heart of St George’s musical life stands our Parish Choir of Men and Boys, one of the last remaining choirs of its kind in Ireland. This distinguished ensemble upholds a centuries-old Anglican choral tradition, offering the beauty of treble voices alongside the rich harmonies of adult altos, tenors, and basses.

Singing at the principal Sunday Eucharist, Choral Evensong, and on major feast days, the Parish Choir brings depth, dignity, and joy to our worship. For the choristers, typically aged seven and upwards, membership offers not only musical training of the highest standard but also the opportunity to grow in confidence, discipline, and fellowship. Under the guidance of our Director of Music, David Falconer and the expert vocal coaching of Maeve Falconer, the boys rehearse regularly, learning the great heritage of English cathedral music — from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to the masterpieces of Stanford, Howells, and contemporary composers.

The gentlemen of the choir, drawn from experienced local singers, many of them former trebles themselves, provide a firm and supportive foundation, ensuring that this treasured tradition continues to flourish. Together, the men and boys offer their voices in service to God, upholding a living musical legacy that has echoed within these walls for generations.

THE SSA CHOIR

In addition to our traditional male choir, St George’s has recently expanded its musical outreach with two other ensembles, enriching both our liturgy and wider community events.

Our Female Voice Choir (SSA) is a choir of women’s voices (sopranos and altos) that brings a fresh and vibrant dimension to our music program. It is anticipated that this SSA choir will sing at Evensongs twice a month and at major festivals and special services throughout the year, adding their own graceful sound to the worship of the church. They join their voices in beloved Anglican repertoire arranged for female choir, as well as exploring new sacred music composed for treble voices. Together with the Parish Choir, the women’s ensemble upholds the

same high standards of musical training and devotion, ensuring that St George’s musical worship remains inclusive and excellent.

THE CHAMBER CHOIR

Our Mixed Chamber Choir, is composed of experienced singers (men and women) from the parish and broader community. This chamber choir specializes in more complex or contemporary choral works and provides music for occasional concerts, special liturgies, and outreach events.

In the intimate acoustics of St George’s, the Chamber Choir’s blend of voices is particularly suited to motets, chamber anthems, and pieces that complement our worship in unique ways. Whether performing a Renaissance motet or a modern composition, this mixed choir adds further depth to the

musical life of the parish.

Through all our choirs, from the youngest chorister to the seasoned choral scholar, we sing to the glory of God, carrying forward an unbroken tradition of liturgical music.

Parish Church of St. George

105 High Street

Belfast BT1 2AG

028 90 231275

[email protected]

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105 High St, Belfast BT1 2AG, UK

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