I have been Organist and Choir Director at St.David’s Church for nearly 30 years and this is the church where the now famous singer, Katherine Jenkins first began learning to sing, and eventually became Head Chorister.
St.David’s Church, built in 1866, is an iconic landmark of Neath, and it has long had an Anglican choral tradition of a robed choir helping lead the worship.
The choir today continues in that tradition and is made up of about 20 adults and 8 children, who meet at the church on a Thursday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm to practise for the Sunday services.
Unlike many other organisations, there is no membership fee to belong to the choir, but anyone is welcome to come along and experience the joy of singing with others as part of the act of worship. All music and choir robes are provided, and choristers can benefit from a structured training scheme, through the Church’s affiliation to the Royal School of Church Music.
Many choristers, like Katherine, have experienced and continue to enjoy the very special and unique opportunity of being part of a church choir, and the thrill of singing some of the finest church music in the cathedral-like surroundings of this magnificent building. St.David’s Church lends itself to many great occasions such as Civic Services, Carol Services and High Feast days, when up to 400 people may be present. As one young chorister recently described the experience – ‘It’s awesome!’
Though perhaps more importantly, it is a sense of belonging to the church family which is felt most, and the joy of sharing in fellowship with others.
We would always welcome new choristers of any age to the choir. Simply contact me on 01792 818264 or 07974 817558.
Mark