For the students at Westminster Abbey Choir School, performing for members of the Royal Family in one of the world’s most recognized churches is routine. Participating in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day is just another occasion for them.
“I’ve performed for the Commonwealth and at the Royal Carols,” shares 11-year-old Zuriel. “The King was present at the Commonwealth event, and it was fantastic. Princess Kate—Catherine—attended the carols too.”
“I feel thrilled seeing so many people gather for a significant event at this church,” adds 12-year-old Nkunzi.
“VE Day holds special significance in this country as it signifies the war’s conclusion. Many people sacrificed their lives so we could enjoy peace today.”
“It’s an incredible opportunity for which you feel immense gratitude; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” remarks 12-year-old James. “The excitement you feel will stay with you for years to come.”
Westminster Abbey Choir School is distinctive, with only 30 students across five year groups. They follow a comprehensive curriculum until they move on to secondary school at around 12 or 13, when their voices begin to change. The boys must audition to gain entry and participate in up to eight choral services each week during term time as boarders.
“You don’t need any musical background to join,” explains Nkunzi. “Before I arrived here, I knew nothing about music; I couldn’t distinguish between a C sharp and an A.”
“What the choristers accomplish is remarkably intricate; singing seven or eight services each week to hundreds of listeners with limited rehearsal time,” says Andrew Nethsingha, the master of the choristers and organist.
“My role is to ensure they perceive it as manageable. If I don’t inform them that the music is challenging, they won’t believe that it is.”
Mr. Nethsingha started at the choir school just before the King’s Coronation.
“It had been around 70 years since the last coronation, so there weren’t many people to turn to for advice. I had a fantastic collection of correspondence between the organist of 1953 and the then Archbishop of Canterbury, which I could consult for their guidance.”
He himself was raised in a choir school in Cambridge, where his late father, Lucian Nethsingha, was the first cathedral organist of color.
“My father came to the UK from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in 1954 at the age of 18 to pursue music studies in Cambridge and London. I’ve followed in his path.”
On May 8, 1945, approximately 25,000 people attended hourly services at Westminster Abbey throughout the day to give thanks for the Allied victory in Europe.
Fast forward 80 years, and there will be just over 1,000 worshippers, including over 70 World War II veterans.
Matthew Payne, the keeper of muniments at Westminster Abbey, oversees the library and documents related to the church, including the original Order of Service from May 8, 1945. Historical records indicate that people were eager to gather at the abbey to commemorate the end of the war in Europe.
“They were lined up around the block to enter; there were 14 services that day, and each one was packed,” he recalls.
The choristers preparing for this year’s service have been diligently practicing, as usual, with daily song sessions before lessons and evening evensong.
Westminster Abbey Choir School continuously seeks new members to replace boys whose voices deepen. Its students come from various parts of London, the UK, and even overseas.
Nkunzi, one of the choristers, offers this tip for anyone interested in joining the choir school: “Just come and audition with Mr. Nethsingha and give it a try!
“No musical experience is necessary, and now I’m singing in one of the world’s best churches. Plus, the football is really fun too!”
