THE CHURCH OF ST MARY-LE-TOWER
History tells us that there has been a church on the present site for a thousand years and that a charter granted by King John was presented to the townspeople in the churchyard in 1200. The present building retains some parts of its medieval predecessor, notably the pillars in the nave, but is essentially Victorian in its structure and decoration. It is the Civic Church of Ipswich and its memorials include many of well-known Suffolk families.

THE MUSIC OF ST MARY-LE-TOWER
Like many large town churches in this country, St Mary-le-Tower has usually been served by a professional organist and choirmaster and a large voluntary choir of men and boys, and its Sunday services have been either partly of fully choral. This continues today, with the responsibilities shared between two choirs, the Church of gentlemen and boys and the Tower Singers, a group of up to sixteen or so ladies and girls. Between the two choirs, the traditional Eucharist at 9.45 combines choral music with congregational singing. Matins at 11.15am (choral Eucharist on the first Sunday in the month) and Evensong at 6.30pm are fully sung in the style of the great choral foundations of this country. The Tower Singers sometimes appear alone, drawing on the large repertoire of music for upper voices, and sometimes with the gentlemen of the Church Choir.

A third Choir, the Tower Chamber Choir, sings at occasional concerts. Its members include some from both of the Church Choirs and other singers from across the county of Suffolk.

Boys are professionally taught to sing and to read music from the age of about six, and are encouraged to progress towards the Bishop’s Chorister examination. New recruits aged between about six and ten can enter after introductory Open Mornings which are held every May and October, or enquiries are welcome at any time

There are vacancies for men with a reasonable proficiency in sight-reading—altos (counter-tenors), tenors and basses. Rehearsals are on Friday evenings. The men usually sing at two or three services each Sunday. For gentlemen who cannot commit themselves to full regular attendance, there is also an occasional and deputy list.

Choral Scholarships are also offered at the Tower. Click here to find out more

If you think you might be interested in singing yourself, or if you would like to discuss introducing your children to the Choir, please contact Michael Nicholas on 01449-737563. mb.nicholas1@homecall.co.uk

Or come to an Open Evensong: men and women singers are welcome to participate, whether on a trial or a one-off basis. To make sure you are alerted to the next one, contact the Director of Music.