The Choir
The choir of St Mary Magdalene, Newark is one of the finest and oldest of its type. Made up of both boy and girl choristers, “Magnus scholars” and adult volunteers, they sing for the 9.00am Parish Eucharist and 5.00pm Choral Evensong each Sunday and assorted civic services and events across the year.
Please note that choral services are currently taking place in Hope Community Methodist Church, Barnby Gate
The choir is professionally led by the Director of Music (sometimes known as the Master of the Song School), Dr Stephen Bullamore. He is supported by the Assistant Organist, Elizabeth Harwood, who both plays the organ and assists with the training of the young people in the choir. The music for the church is supported financially by the Thomas Magnus Foundation. This enables the choristers and “Magnus scholars” to be offered music lessons to support their learning.
The music that the choir sings encompasses a vast range of repertoire, from Gregorian chant, through Tudor verse services, Classical Mass settings and great Romantic anthems to twenty-first century music.
In 2019 the choir made a CD recording with Priory Records (left).
Choristers (School Years 2-8)
The choristers (boys and girls) rehearse in the historic Song School next to the church twice a week and sing for three services a week during term time. They are drawn from lots of different schools around Newark. In addition to their group training, many receive individual singing or instrumental lessons, partly funded by the Magnus Foundation.
Click here to find out more about the benefits of being a chorister at our church.
Download this leaflet for more information on being a chorister, and how to become one.
Magnus Scholars
Up to eight Magnus Scholarships worth £1,200-£1,800 per year are currently available for singers, organists or choral directors in full time education. Recent scholars have gone on to sing in various Cathedral and Collegiate choirs, taken up Oxbridge organ scholarships and continued their musical studies at university.
Adult Singers
The choir welcomes adult singers of any voice part from all walks of life. They rehearse on a Friday evening and sing for two services on a Sunday most weeks of the year.
