The Old Monmothians choir performing Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
A choir of 32 ‘Old Monmothians’ gathered at Westminster Abbey on Saturday for a deeply moving performance of Evensong, a heartfelt tribute to David Lawson, their beloved director of music, who is stepping down after 22 years of inspiring leadership.
The day began with a poignant rehearsal in the historic Cheyneygates room, a place steeped in history. In this sacred space, the choir came together, their voices harmonising in preparation for their performance later.
At 5 pm, the choir filled Westminster Abbey with the powerful strains of Shephard’s Responses, Psalm 116 to a chant by Walford Davies, George Dyson’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D, and Balfour Gardiner’s ‘Evening Hymn.’ Each note carried the weight of gratitude and farewell, resonating through the hallowed halls. The Abbey’s organist was so moved by their performance that he called them the best visiting choir of the summer. The presiding Canon, equally touched, described their singing as ‘spectacular’ and extended a heartfelt invitation for the choir to return.
The service concluded with a stirring organ voluntary, ‘Nun Danket alle Gott’ by Karg-Elert, performed by Old Boy Jordan Wong, a former Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge. The music, like the day itself, was a celebration of the bonds forged through years of shared dedication and passion.
Family, friends, and visitors to the City of London gathered in the Abbey, their hearts full as they witnessed this final tribute. Thomas Hodkinson, speaking on behalf of the choir, expressed the depth of their gratitude, calling the performance a fitting tribute to David Lawson. He spoke of the immense influence Lawson has had on the countless choristers and musicians who have passed through Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, shaping their lives through his love of music. He also thanked Rory Booth for organising the venue, reflecting on the experience as a tremendous privilege and a testament to the enduring legacy of their shared musical journey.
