A Century in Song
With the RSCM’s upcoming 2027 centenary, A Century of Song charts changing tastes, styles and aesthetics in church music over the period of the RSCM’s first hundred years featuring one piece of choral music from each decade. The project creates a story and a list of music which everyone should know and have the chance to sing. The music has been selected to be approachable and not too large-scale, nor placing undue demands on singers (or organists!).
Each piece will have an article explaining something of the context to the music and the composer. CMQ March 2026 features the first piece Brewer in D, written in the RSCM’s founding year of 1927, which can be read for free below. The remaining nine pieces will be covered in CMQ June 2026, September 2026 and December 2026.
Inside… A Century in Song
As well as CMQ articles, we’re hosting a series of lunchtime talks with special guests. Find out more below!
Inside... A Century in Song
Join us for Inside… A Century in Song, a series of lunchtime talks giving practical tips and tricks on how you can approach and direct the 10 pieces from A Century in Song. Aimed at conductors but also for singers who want to gain a greater understanding of the music. Starting in September and running into the RSCM’s centenary year, each talk will feature a special guest to discuss the music with RSCM Staff.
Join live for the opportunity to pose your questions to the speaker. They will also be available to watch on our YouTube Channel shortly after the live talk.
Details and online booking is available for the first five events, with the next to be announced later this year.
Inside… Vaughan Williams: O taste and see (1950s)
with Jeremy Summerly
17 September 2026 – 1:10 PM | Cost: Free
Inside… Hadley: My beloved spake (1930s)
with Tansy Castledine
24 September 2026 – 1:10 PM | Cost: Free
Inside… Howells: Like as the hart (1940s)
with Sarah MacDonald
8 October 2026 – 1:10 PM | Cost: Free
Inside… Brewer: Evening Service in D (1920s)
with Adrian Partington
22 October, 2026 – 1:10 PM | Cost: Free
Inside… Britten: Jubilate in C (1960s)
with Ralph Allwood
5 November 2026 – 1:10 PM | Cost: Free
RSCM Centenary
In 2027 the RSCM celebrates a hundred years of enabling the flourishing of church music. Through an exciting programme of special events, publications and campaigns spread across the year and world, in-person and online, there will be a way for you to join with us as we commemorate this special milestone.