Music at ACB
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods.”
(1 Chronicles 16:23-25, ESV)
Music plays a fundamental role at ACB in both the morning and evening services, encompassing different styles and thereby enriching our worship. Music also contributes significantly to special services such as the Carol Service and Confirmation Services.
Our traditional church choir of mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) sing at the 17:30 evening service twice a month (on average) and at other special services during the church year, including the service of Nine lessons and Carols in Advent.
The choir is open to all, and is a welcoming group of people who enjoy singing mostly traditional church music to support the liturgies of Evensong and Sung Communion. We rehearse immediately prior to services, generally at 15.30, before the service at 6pm, at the Nicholas Chapel at the Basel Münster. We almost always sing the Psalm (mostly to Anglican Chant) and an anthem and occasionally full choral settings of Evensong and other liturgical repertoire.
We are generally around 15 people, but the size of the choir is flexible and we are happy to welcome singers who may only be able to join us occasionally.
For special occasions there are additional rehearsals, either on weekday evenings or weekends.
The choir is directed by David Blunden, a professional musician who lives and works in Basel.
Music at the Morning Service is led by worship bands, co-ordinated by several different leaders. The groups vary from week to week, and are made up of vocalists and instrumentalists (piano, guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone, flute and violin). The music, which is selected by the music leader working together with the minister, is a mixture of contemporary worship songs, as well the occasional traditional hymn.