Easter

Ater last year's 'quiet' Holy Week, this year was quite the opposite: I reckon I spent nine hours singing in four days!

Firstly it was wonderful to be able to sing the whole of Tenebrae on each day of the Triduum. Yes it takes a long time but the music is beautiful and the total effect quite mesmerising. Special thanks to Dorothy Allen for providing the impetus for this and to Fr Michael Brown for providing the venue (SS Peter and Paul Longbenton) and for his priestly presence.

Secondly I was delighted to be able to sing for the Good Friday Liturgy (Missal of Blessed John XXIII) at SS Peter and Paul Longbenton. There was a good turnout of singers and we sang a good portion of the Improperia and the Crux Fidelis. Such wonderful music: the mournful tone of the Improperia and the subtle change to the Crux Fidelis with its note of triumph of the Cross.

Finally we sang for a Sung Mass for Easter Day at St Joseph's Gateshead. Special thanks to the "Jarrow Men" (you know who you are!) for suggesting that we sing the Mass "Lux et Origo" and providing such abundant and refulgent tone. I thought the Regina Caeli might take the roof off.

This was the best Easter Triduum I have had on Tyneside for more than 15 years.