St Thomas' is the only Church in the Guildford Diocese, and one of only some 40 parish churches in the UK, to maintain a choir with separate sections for adults, boys and girls. The choirs sing a varied repertoire of music, often of cathedral standard, at regular Eucharist and Evensong services, as well as at a variety of special services and concerts during the year; the Chamber Choir sings at some of these. The repertoire ranges from the reign of Elizabeth I (and occasionally earlier) to that of Elizabeth II, and includes British, European and American composers. Most of the repertoire is traditional 4-part SATB, but 3-, 4- and 5-part ATB settings are also frequently performed, as well as pieces for treble / soprano voices only, and occasional pieces for double choir. St Thomas is fortunate to have an extensive music library, which provides considerable opportunity for variety in the choice of music, and this is being further extended with the addition of pieces by female and contemporary composers.
Click here to download a list of the music in the choir’s current and recent repertoire.
Music for weddings and other special services can be selected from the repertoire list, or other suitable repertoire can be sung by arrangement with the Director of Music. If you would like the choir to sing at your service, please contact the Director of Music, Jordan Theis, Choir@thebourne.org.uk.
Check the News and Events section and look out for our special services, concerts and recitals coming up.
The choir has made a number of recordings in recent years for CDs, local radio and television. In September 2022, the choir was asked to sing the late Queen’s favourite hymn – “There were ninety and nine” – and the recording featured in the BBC’s national coverage of the funeral. In 2013 the choir recorded a Christmas CD “On Christmas Night”, under Robert Lewis as Director of Music, and in 2019 they made a recording for the BBC2 drama, “Mothers Day”.
Listen to some recordings
Tell Out my Soul, Look at the World, Ave Verum, This is the night, God so loved the world, Ubi Caritas-Ola Gjelio
CDs are available Click here to listen to sample tracks from these CDs
The choirs of St Thomas-on-The Bourne have recorded CDs that are available for sale. Enquiries about purchasing CDs to the Parish Office please
Four Girls in Harmony (2018)
Sung by the Girls Quartet Accompanied by Andrew Harrap
Recorded in house at St Thomas-on-The Bourne in April and June 2018
This CD comprises a selection of beautiful sacred and secular music from the 16th through 20th centuries. Sung by the Girls' Quartet from the Choir of St Thomas-on-The Bourne they, are accompanied on piano and organ by Andrew Harrap. It is an in-house recording of amateur performers.
On Christmas Night (2013)
Director: Robert Lewis
Organist: Julian Cooper
Recorded: St Thomas-on-The Bourne
Recorded by: Thomas Ashworth
Date: 27th August 2013 and 3rd Nov 2013 This stunning CD incorporates new arrangements of popular favourites and beautifully composed less well-known music. Sung by the choirs of St Thomas-on-The Bourne, it encapsulates the festive period with a mixture of choir only carols; as well as congregational carols.