Choir Concludes Residency in England

The St. Mark’s School of Texas Choir returned from its 20th Biennial International Trip following a two-week tour of England that included an unforgettable residency at two of the country’s most historic venues. The boys performed daily services in Durham Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, along with an extensive rehearsal schedule and a packed schedule visiting historic sites.  

After a long flight, the choir settled into Durham, where the boys lived just steps from the nearly 1,000-year-old Durham Cathedral. There, they embraced the rhythm of cathedral life through daily rehearsals, Evensong services, and worship alongside professional musicians. Wherever they traveled, the choristers earned praise not only for their singing, but also for their exceptional character.  

“A week spent stepping into the shoes of cathedral choristers, rehearsing each day, leading worship, responding to the demands of the schedule, and depending upon one another has brought them together as an ensemble and helped each boy grow into a stronger and more confident singer,” said Glenn Stroh, St. Mark’s Organist and Choirmaster.  

Beyond the choir stalls, the students immersed themselves in England’s rich history. Excursions included Bletchley Park, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda, the Tower of London, and Greenwich, giving the boys opportunities to explore everything from Roman archaeology to medieval castles while taking in the culture and cuisine of England. The boys also enjoyed finding areas around Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral that were featured in the Harry Potter film series.  

The second half of the journey brought the choir to London for a residency at Westminster Abbey. After preparing with renowned British musicians, including Westminster Abbey’s Organist and Master of the Choristers Andrew Nethsingha, the boys led worship in one of the world’s most famous churches before congregations numbering in the hundreds. Their performances of Herbert Howells’s Dallas Canticles and Gerre Hancock’s Deep River, works closely associated with the St. Mark’s Choir, received enthusiastic praise and left lasting impressions on listeners. 

“Their reward was not simply the extraordinary opportunity to sing in Westminster Abbey, but the confidence, camaraderie, resilience, and hard-won satisfaction earned through months of preparation and two weeks together serving others in England,” said Stroh.  

As the choristers returned home, they carried with them not only memories of singing in two of England’s great cathedrals, but also a deeper appreciation for the teamwork, dedication, and fellowship that define the St. Mark’s Choir. 

The boys were led by St. Mark’s Organist and Choirmaster Glenn Stroh, along with faculty chaperones Greg Crook, Lauren Logan, Garrett Kheshtinejad, Jason Lange, Marion Glorioso-Kirby, Maria Russo, and Josh Shandera. Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini and his wife Nancy also accompanied the boys for part of their trip.    

  

The Choir of St. Mark’s School of Texas, affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music since 1951, is known as one of the pre-eminent boys’ choirs in the U.S. During the academic year, the Choir performs at chapel services, monthly Evensong services, the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, Baccalaureate, and various events in and outside of the St. Mark’s community. The Choir is regularly invited to perform at some of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in the world as part of their International Tour. In addition to the United Kingdom, tours have included South Africa, France, Canada, New York, and Washington, D.C.