Ely Cathedral (photo by Nathan) [The exterior of a portion of Ely Cathedral, with two large towers in view and the Lady Chapel to the side in the background]
Familiar faces! (photo by Colette) [Students gathered in an alcove outside of Ely Cathedral, looking at a large monitor advertising the lunchtime recital series with a photo of Garnet Singers performing at Swarthmore]
On Thursday, May 21, Garnet Singers returned to Ely Cathedral for a second time, although in this case to sing as part of the lunchtime recital series. This meant that the group had the opportunity to give an hour-long performance of the music we have prepared and performed throughout the year. As our last performance in the U.K., it was also a chance to share what we do with British audiences one more time before heading back to the States.
Garnet Singers perform at the Cathedral’s lunchtime recital series (photo by Hsiao-Han) [Garnet Singers in two rows, dressed in concert black attire and holding folders, singing in front of a large, intricate backdrop and stained glass windows]
Afterwards, we returned for a final afternoon and evening in Cambridge. The group visited Jesus College once again to attend (as listeners this time, rather than singers!) Evensong and, many singers enjoyed one more time taking in the sights (and maybe getting one last gelato). We finished the night with a group bowling excursion and got ready to bid farewell to the U.K. early the next morning.
Saying goodbye to Ely Cathedral (L) and a final view of the streets of Cambridge (R) (photos by Ryan and Silja) [Garnet Singers walking away down a narrow street outside of Ely Cathedral with a high wall and buildings on the side; a pedestrian street in Cambridge lined with buildings and colorful flags hanging from above]
A graduating senior member of the group reflects on the final concert at Ely Cathedral and the end of the tour:
On May 21st we had our last full run of repertoire at the Ely Cathedral for a lunchtime public concert. It was a very bittersweet moment for me as I was incredibly happy to sing all these amazing songs again but it would be for the last time ever as part of Garnet Singers. By this time in the trip, I think all of our voices were definitely not in the same condition as when we started but we finished strong.
The area surrounding Ely Cathedral is just as beautiful as the cathedral itself. It felt like I was walking onto a medieval movie set with rolling hills of green pasture and Ely Cathedral in the distance. Our tour guide from the previous day provided little tidbits about how Ely Cathedral was constructed and the meanings behind each stained glass and the ceilings that depict an entire story. It felt even more special having the opportunity to perform pieces such as Peace I Leave With You and Cells Planets knowing the history and facts about Ely.
By far though my favorite area in Ely Cathedral was the Lady Chapel. It gave off a different feeling compared to the rest of the cathedral which could be explained by the light coming in and seating built within the walls but there was just something ethereal about it. The warmth I felt sitting on a cushion while hearing the rest of Garnet Singers sing bits of random songs until we all somehow agreed non-verbally to sing one song was just something I will cherish forever. It’s rare to find others who share the same passion for an interest you like but when you do meet them and can talk (or in this case sing), you must appreciate it.
Gathered to sing for one another in the Lady Chapel (photo by Hsiao-Han) [Singers standing in a circle in Ely Cathedral’s large Lady Chapel, with tall windows surrounding]
Our actual performance had many attendees! All the pews were packed and there was even a group of young students watching our rehearsal briefly. Every time we sing Cells Planets, I somehow grow to love it even more. It’s the type of piece that grows on you until you are humming it. I always find it amusing to see people’s reactions to our soloists ranging from shocked to amazed as I always get chills listening to them too. On a personal note, I really tried to look at the sheet music as little as possible both to see people’s reactions to our pieces and to convey the most emotion I could. This really stood out to me when Garnet Singers performed Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel. To do this song justice, you must convey emotion to the audience and I am forever appreciative of our student conductor for getting this piece to the level it was on a technical and emotional point.
After it ended, I remember the entire choir being in high spirits. As we walked out the cathedral for the last time in a while, I felt so free and accomplished. All our hard work throughout the year but especially this semester was conveyed in these performances on our trip. Now I can never think of someone saying “same thing” without connecting it to Cells Planets.
One piece of advice for future Garnet Singers that I wish I had acted on earlier was getting to know your section and the choir more! Through this trip I was able to learn more about my fellow choir people and I think that definitely made a difference when it came to sound. Singing with others is amazing but singing with others that you know and are friends with elevates the choir experience further. It can be hard to make that first step and introduce yourself but it’s important to remember they are here for the same reason as you; to sing!
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