OCTOBER 2026
Benjamin Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb (1943)
Gerald Finzi: Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice (1946)
Saturday 17th October 2026, at St Michael’s Church, Lewes
Accompanist: Iestyn Evans
Notes from Nick:
” These two works were both commissioned by Rev. Walter Hussey to celebrate the 50th and 53rd anniversary of the consecration of St.Matthew’s Church, Northampton. Rev. Hussey went on to be Dean of Chichester where he also commissioned the Bernstein Chichester Psalms and numerous works of art for the cathedral by leading 20th century artists, including John Piper (altar-cloth) and Marc Chagal (window).
The texts of both pieces are notable: Rejoice in the Lamb is taken from Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart, written around 1760 while he was in an asylum. You may recognise the texts ‘For I consider my cat Jeoffry’ and ‘For the mouse is a creature of great personal valour’.
The text of Lo, the full final sacrifice dates from the 17th century and is by Richard Crawshaw, a High Church/Catholic cleric and metaphysical poet.
Both the pieces present challenges for the singer, but the rewards are great. The final ‘Amen’ of the Finzi is sublime, and the rhythmic energy in two of the movements in Rejoice in the Lamb is fun and keeps everyone on their toes.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Britten, so it’s fitting that we’re singing one of his most popular choral pieces in this workshop.
We are delighted that London organist Iestyn Evans will accompany us for the day, both on the piano and on the fine organ at St Michael’s Church.”
How to Book:
The cost is £25 to include all music hire plus tea/coffee, biscuits & cake. Places are limited and as usual Nick will be looking for a good balance of voice parts.
Please email workshops@musicsussex.org.uk stating your preferred voice part and we’ll get back to you to confirm your place and payment details.