06 Feb 2012
Westminster Abbey marked the Diamond Jubilee of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Throne with a special Evensong on Monday 6th February.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey under the direction of James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, sang as an Introit William Byrd’s setting of a prayer for Elizabeth our Queen composed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to Stanford’s setting in C. The anthem Behold, O God our defender was composed by Herbert Howells for the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Prayers were led by the Minor Canon and Precentor, the Reverend Michael Macey, and included thanksgiving for the 60 years of The Queen’s reign, intercession for national unity and peace, and commemoration of His late Majesty King George VI on the 60th anniversary of his death.
After the prayers, the Choir sang Howells’ Collegium Regale Te Deum.
The Dean, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, pronounced the Blessing and the National Anthem concluded the service.
After the service, William Walton’s Coronation March Orb and Sceptre, composed for the Queen’s Coronation, was played in an arrangement by Sir William McKie. The organ was played by Robert Quinney, Sub Organist.