A new anthem, jointly commission by the RSCM and the Prayer Book Society, marks the start of a new partnership between both organisations.

O Lord, we beseech thee, which is based on the Collect for the sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, has been written by young British composer, Jack Oades. It received its premiere in Bath recently when nearly 100 your choristers on the RSCM’s Summer Residential Course performed it and it will feature in the PBS’ 50th anniversary celebrations at Westminster in October.

It is available from RSCM Music Direct here

One of the success stories of Church growth in recent years has been the popularity of Choral Evensong. Cathedrals, college chapels and parish churches with a strong choral tradition, have seen steady increases in congregations.

The PBS is now opening its prestigious public speaking competition, the Cranmer Awards, to choristers through the RSCM.

“We are delighted that the Cranmer Awards, will be closely linked to the RSCM young chorister training scheme, Voice for Life,” says Jon Riding, a PBS’ Trustee. “Familiarity of the Book of Common Prayer is an invaluable tool for all choristers, young and old, and this partnership offers so much to members of both organisations.”