It’s a special year for the Diocese of East Anglia, as they celebrate the 2025 Year of Jubilee. As part of the festivities, a remarkable event is being planned, called the Jubilee of Choirs, which will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich. This day is particularly significant, as it coincides with the Feast of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music. What a perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the joy of music and faith! The event will also be linked to an international gathering of choirs at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, creating a sense of unity and connection with the wider Church.
The Jubilee of Choirs is an invitation to all choirs and individual singers from across East Anglia to participate in a day of music, prayer, and celebration. The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all abilities, and promises to be an uplifting experience for all involved. The day will begin with registration at 2:15 pm, followed by a rehearsal from 2:45 pm to 4:45 pm. This will be a great opportunity for participants to come together, get to know one another, and prepare for the beautiful music that will fill the cathedral. The rehearsal will be followed by Sung Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer, at 5:00 pm, and then the First Mass of the Feast of Christ the King at 6:00 pm. To help participants prepare, music will be sent out in advance, and an optional rehearsal will be held at St John’s Cathedral on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 pm. This way, everyone can feel confident and ready to take part in the celebration.
For those attending, the Cathedral Café will be open throughout the day, offering a warm and welcoming space to relax and socialize. Additionally, the Cathedral Hall will be available for those who prefer to bring their own packed lunches or snacks. The organizers have thought of everything to make sure that everyone has a wonderful experience. To take part in this extraordinary event, participants can register using the provided link, and for any further information or questions, they can contact David Grealy, the Diocesan Director of Music, at [email protected]. This promises to be a fantastic opportunity for the Diocese to come together in song and prayer, and everyone is encouraged to join in and make it a truly joyful celebration.
As the Diocese of East Anglia prepares for this momentous occasion, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation building. The Jubilee of Choirs is not just a celebration of music, but also a celebration of faith, community, and the power of coming together. It’s a chance for people from all walks of life to join in, sing their hearts out, and experience the beauty of music and prayer. The event is a wonderful opportunity for the Diocese to showcase its talent, creativity, and dedication to their faith. By participating in the Jubilee of Choirs, individuals can be part of something bigger than themselves, something that will create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.
The significance of the Jubilee of Choirs cannot be overstated. It’s a chance for the Diocese to come together, to put aside their differences, and to celebrate their shared love of music and faith. In a world that can sometimes seem divided, this event is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, compassion, and understanding. By singing together, participants will be able to tap into the deeper meaning and purpose of their faith, and to connect with one another on a profound level. The event is also a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, to inspire, and to uplift. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just someone who loves to sing, this is an event that promises to be unforgettable.
In the end, the Jubilee of Choirs is a celebration of the human spirit, with all its complexities, joys, and challenges. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected, and that music has the power to transcend borders, languages, and cultures. So, let’s come together, sing our hearts out, and make this a truly joyful celebration! The Diocese of East Anglia invites everyone to join in, to be part of this extraordinary event, and to experience the beauty, joy, and sense of community that it promises to bring. With its rich program, inclusive spirit, and beautiful music, the Jubilee of Choirs is an event that will stay with participants long after the day is over, a reminder of the power of faith, music, and community to bring people together and transform lives.
