The Lastingham Group of Churches

Lastingham is becoming a popular venue for singing and instrumental music, with a growing music fraternity. This is facilitated by the wonderful acoustics resulting from the vaulting of 1879 (see specification).

In 2003 Lastingham Benefice Choir was founded, and we sing a good range of music – including plainsong, Orthodox Chant, Taizé, Iona, and even some African music. Our organists and choir endeavour to keep up with the best of what is being done. Choirs from across the country come to sing here.

Each year we hold several instrumental concerts. Some are by professional musicians, who may come from London or further afield to play in this wonderful building.

The critically acclaimed cellist, Jamie Walton, and his duo partner, the pianist Daniel Grimwood, have given ten concerts in the church since 2002, to an increasingly large and appreciative audience. In December 2005 Jamie and Daniel were joined by a violinist and a clarinettist to perform Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.

Jamie and Daniel have given one concert in Christ Church, Appleton-le-Moors, and have also made a sound recording there.

Other concerts are by local amateurs. ‘Bach by Candlelight’ in December 2006 was by an ensemble of eight musicians – seven professionals and a local cellist. Our audiences are growing.

We are affiliated to The Royal School of Church Music.

If you are interested in singing in the choir and would like to come along to one of the practices, please contact Clare Haynes.