BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong to return to Wednesdays

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) has welcomed the return (from September 2008) of BBC Radio 3's live broadcast of Choral Evensong to its original Wednesday afternoon slot at 4.00pm, but this time with a repeat on Sunday afternoons.

"We are delighted that there will now be two opportunities for the dedicated audience of Choral Evensong to hear the programme each week," said Professor John Harper, Emeritus Director of the RSCM. "This endorsement of the popularity of the programme is encouraging to those who sustain the daily cycle of music and prayer in churches and cathedrals the length of the country."

The weekly broadcast of Choral Evensong was moved a year ago from its hallowed Wednesday afternoon slot, but was kept under review by the BBC. At the time the move of the broadcast was announced in November 2006, the RSCM, although "broadly welcoming" the move, pointed out that a live broadcast on a Sunday afternoon would raise logistical issues for cathedrals and collegiate chapels on what is the busiest day of the week. Professor Harper also pointed out that there would be no reflection of the fact that there are over 100 church communities who sing the office of Choral Evensong during the week.

"Listeners to the Sunday repeat will not be hearing the psalms, readings and collect set for that day, but it does mean that many more people will have the opportunity to hear the service" said Professor Harper. "This is a welcome development."

29 January 2008


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