The choir have just returned from a memorable tour of Rome where they were thrilled to give recitals and sing at services in several of the eternal city's iconic landmarks and churches, including the Pantheon and Castel Gandolfo and culminating in a sung mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

The tour opened with a recital in the superb setting of San Tommaso church in Castel Gandolfo, overlooking the volcanic lake. On the Saturday choir sang Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before giving a short recital in the Pantheon - a very thrilling (but hot!) experience. Sunday saw the choir singing at the tombs of the church’s greatest early leaders - St Paul and St Peter. Morning Mass was sung at the basilica of St Paul outside the Walls. Highpoint of the tour came on Sunday evening when choir sang Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St Peter’s Basilica (shown on left).

The choir and their organists were joined by some of their families and friends and the music - which was warmly received everywhere they went - was directed by Patrick Ganley, who also celebrated his birthday under the sizzling Italian sun.

Recordings from the first recital are below.

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