'Music Can Heal and Bring People Together '

Composer John Rutter took part in a Conversational Evensong at St Nicks

A great many people gathered at St Nicholas Church on Sunday Sept 11th to hear the eminent musician, John Rutter talk about his music and his beliefs.

John Rutter

Fr. Simon Brandes asked him about his background and how he followed the musical path he did. He was at Highgate School and Cambridge and later became Director of Music at Clare College where he founded the Cambridge Singers. He was particularly interested in longer choral works. He has his own record label. Recently he composed the music for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. John was given a Doctorate of Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

John started singing at nursery school morning assembly. He told us how his report read “John sings well, but only if he sings softly”! He told us how he is eclectic in his tastes and thinks there should be mystery at the heart of music and faith. He believes that Churches should be inclusive and not exclusive and that all people should be able to come through the Church door.
When asked what his favourite item was, he talked about his Broadwood piano and told us how he bought it many years ago.

Finally, he described himself as a “bruised optimist”, bruised by some of the negative aspects of society, but always hopeful. He believes that music can heal and bring people together. He said, “Singing together is so much better than fighting together”.

I found this a really fascinating and inspirational occasion. We are so grateful to Fr. Simon and others at St Nicholas Church for arranging these evenings. The next one will be on November 19th when we shall be joined by the Bishop of Chelmsford.

Simon Rodway

September 13, 2017