Music of John Ireland at Steyning

The music of John Ireland., who lived in Rock Mill at Washington, will be celebrated at a service of choral evensong this Sunday, October 7 at the church of Saint Andrew and Saint Cuthman in Steyning.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Oct 2012, 16:42 GMT

This year is the fiftieth anniversary of his death, and it is particularly fitting that there should be a celebration of his music in Steyning because his memorial service was held in the church in 1962.

Apart from being a composer of international repute, Ireland had been a church organist in his time and composed chants for the canticles of the church services – chants of his for the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis will be sung on Sunday.

While these may not be familiar to many church goers, nearly everyone will know the beautiful tune he composed for the hymn, My Song Is Love Unknown.

Visitors are most welcome. The choir will be conducted by the church’s director of music, Brian Sawyer. Ronald Harvey is the organist.

Washington