Music
Sacred music is not an accessory to worship. It is worship.
PEOPLE of faith have long recognised music’s power to draw the soul toward God. St John Chrysostom wrote that “nothing so uplifts the soul, gives it wings, sets it free from the earth, loosens the chains of the body, fosters true wisdom, and scorns all things of this world as concordant melody and sacred song composed in rhythm.”
Music belongs to this world, yet it draws the heart beyond it. It leads people into deeper truth.
At St Michael and All Saints, music is offered with skill, purpose, and reverence. Congregational singing, chant, choral music, and the sound of the organ shape the liturgy, giving it both structure and beauty.
This is music that asks something of those who make it and those who listen. It creates space to be still, to be moved, and to turn toward things that matter.
The Choir
ST Michael and All Saints is home to one of the finest non-professional choirs in the city. Under the direction of Sandy Chenery, and supported by a team of organists, the choir sings a wide-ranging repertoire, from Byrd and Victoria to Howells and James MacMillan.
One of the choir’s defining strengths is its flexible commitment. With no midweek rehearsals, singers meet for an hour before Mass, making it possible for those with busy schedules to take part. The standard remains high, attracting skilled singers drawn by both the quality of the music and the opportunity to sing with other talented musicians.
Repertoire for the choir is chosen with care—challenging, expressive, and deeply rewarding to sing. This is a place where singers give their full voice to music that demands and deserves it. Those drawn to this tradition find not just a choir, but a setting where their musicianship is valued and stretched.
For more information about joining the choir, use the contact form and select “Music” from the dropdown menu. →
The Organ
THE organ is central to the musical life of St Michael and All Saints. A versatile two-manual instrument with a moveable console, it offers both the refinement needed for accompanying small ensembles and the breadth of sound required for larger-scale repertoire.
Built in 1872 by Forster and Andrews in Scarborough, the organ was later rebuilt by Abbott and Smith in 1920 and Wood Wordsworth in 1966 before being installed at St Michael and All Saints in 1992 by Peter Wood. It retains the craftsmanship of its original builders while meeting the demands of a living liturgical tradition.
A team of experienced organists ensures that the instrument fully supports both the choir and congregational singing. They also give it a voice in its own right, whether through post-service voluntaries or the improvisations required at various points in the liturgy.
A Space for Music
BEYOND its role in worship, the church is also used as a concert venue, hosting a range of performances throughout the year. In addition to the organ, a fine 6ft Yamaha grand piano further expands the musical possibilities within the space.
Mass Times
Sunday • 10:30 High Mass
A service with choral music, organ, incense, bells, and elaborate ritual Read more →
Wednesday • 11:00 Low Mass (Lady Chapel)
First Saturday of each month • 12:30 Rosary Mass
Celebrate the Sacred Seasons
ST Michael and All Saints invites you to mark some of the most significant moments of the liturgical year with special services featuring glorious music from one of the finest choirs in the city, vibrant Anglo-Catholic liturgy, and preaching that speaks to the heart. These services are true highlights of the calendar, offering excellent opportunities for reflection and celebration. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.
Readings & Music for Lent
Sun 16 Mar • 15:00
Take time to reflect this Lent through an evening of readings and music that showcases the qualities of this soul-searching season. It’s an invitation to pause, listen, and be still.
Maundy Thursday
Thurs 17 Apr • 19:30
One of the most dramatic and moving evenings of the year, Maundy Thursday takes you from the intimacy of the Last Supper to the stark moment of abandonment. As the story unfolds, the powerful liturgy, accompanied by exquisite music, will draw you into a profound and unforgettable experience.
Good Friday
Fri 18 Apr • 12:00
In a fast-paced world, this Three-Hour Vigil invites you to slow down. Experience the day’s depth through powerful readings, thought-provoking preaching, moving music, and moments of silence for reflection.
Easter Vigil
Sat 19 Apr • 21:00
Celebrate new beginnings. Just when the sun has vanished, a sacred mystery unfolds: a light shines in darkness. This uplifting tradition brings hope and celebrates the joy of resurrection.
Pentecost Vigil
Sat 7 Jun • 18:00 content
Mark the moment when a wind of change swept through the world, igniting the Christian movement. This celebration of Pentecost embraces new possibilities with fiery music. Afterwards, enjoy a reception in the Cloisters Bar next door.
‘O sacrum convivium’
Sun 22 Jun • 18:00
A concert within the Octave of Corpus Christi celebrates devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through music. Experience moving settings of devotional texts alongside stirring organ compositions. This journey through themes of faith offers profound contemplation of the sacred mysteries.
Assumption Evensong
Sat 16 Aug • 16:00
Celebrate Marian devotion in the inimitable Anglo-Catholic tradition, featuring flower petals, processions, and the grandest of grand choral music. The concluding service of Edinburgh’s Festival of the Sacred Arts offers a moment to be inspired.
Come-and-Sing Evensong and Benediction
Sat 27 Sep • 17:00
Embrace the beauty of Catholic ritual, no matter your tradition. Slip on some proverbial lace for the occasion and join a fabulous Come-and-Sing event. A full choir rehearsal precedes the service. Sign up online to participate.
Advent Carol Service
Sun 30 Nov • 18:00
Enter the season of Advent through a dramatic and awe-inspiring service, filled with candlelight, stirring choral music, and readings, drawing all who attend into a profound sense of waiting and wonder.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Sun 21 Dec • 18:00
Celebrate the Christmas story through the beloved Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Scripture readings and carols recount the journey from creation to the birth of Christ. The service, accompanied by exceptional choral music, offers a moment of reflection, joy, and a deep connection to the true meaning of Christmas.
Latest Sermons
Listen to recent sermons and reflections.
9 March 2025
‘A Reasonable Temptation’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 1st Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13)
5 March 2025
‘More than great television’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
16 February 2025
‘The Beatitudes aren’t reassuring’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 6:17-26)
2 February 2025
‘Presbyopia’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Presentation of the Lord (Luke 2.22-40)
26 January 2025
‘Whose story is it?’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 4.14-21)
29 December 2024
‘How to be a holy family’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Feast of the Holy Family (Luke 2:41-52)
25 December 2024
‘Christmas Clickbait’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Christmas Day 2024 (Luke 2:1-14)
24 December 2024
‘His eyes—how they twinkled!’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon at Midnight Mass 2024 (John 1:1-14)