ABOUT US

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Ealing Abbey Lay Plainchant Choir (EALPC)

 

Founded originally by the eminent soprano Jennifer Smith, the Choir is now an apostolate of the Monastic Community of Ealing Abbey and part of the Benedictine Institute, under the direction of Fr Peter Burns OSB. As a Benedictine Community, singing liturgical chant has always been an important part of their spiritual life.  

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The Plainchant Choir gives lay people the opportunity to practise and sing chant so that they too can contribute to the liturgical life of the Parish and benefit from the rich spirituality of Gregorian chant.  We cater for all levels of experience, and beginners are very welcome.

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Singing at Mass

 

We sing once a month at the 6:00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass at Ealing Abbey (Ordinary Form). Members available to sing on a weekday also sing once a month at a local care home for people suffering from dementia.

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Rehearsals

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We meet weekly for rehearsals on Wednesdays - 7:00 for 7:15 pm in the Maurice Fowler Hall, 1 Montpelier Avenue, London W5. We ask members to attend promptly and regularly, and to notify the Membership Secretary, if they cannot attend.

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How to find us

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​The Maurice Fowler hall is near Ealing Abbey.  It's a 15-minute walk from Ealing Broadway Station, or a short bus journey on the 297, E2 or E9 bus services from bus stop Z4 near the station on Haven Green (see the map below).  It is to the right of, and to the rear of 1 Montpelier Avenue, accessible through a gate from the road (see photo below).​​

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Training

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We periodically organise training events for members of the Choir. Events have included:

• Weekend workshops.

• Occasional training at evening meetings by experienced external tutors.

• Weekend visits to Quarr Abbey and St Cecilia's Abbey on the Isle of Wight, and day visits to Farnborough Abbey, for tuition and practice in singing chant.