We consider music an important part of our worship and our community.
At St John’s there is as magnificent pipe organ which is mainly played at combined parish services. At regular services, music is chosen and played through a speaker by one of the Wardens. There is a mix of traditional hymns, contemporary worship songs, and a selection of classical, contemporary classical and multicultural pieces used for various parts of the service (see the lists below).
All Hallows uses a small group of talented musicians and singers to play and sing contemporary worship songs with the congregation.
St John’s music for November and December 2025
For those interested, below are details of the “incidental” music used during the 8.00 am service. This may not be a complete list, and does not include hymns.
On arrival/processional:
This music needs to be soothing, inviting, contemplative and uplifting all at the same time!
Liszt, Standchen in D Minor; Bach Organ Sonata no. 4. Saint-Saens, The Swan; Cimarosa Sonata no. 42, Haydn Mass in B flat; Verdi, Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco; Elgar, Enigma Variations, Nimrod; Pachelbel, Canon; Mozart Serenade no. 13 K 535, Satie Gymnopedie no. 1, Vivaldi Violin RV 583; Doyle, My Father’s Favourite; Brahms, Six Piano Pieces Op 118; Vivaldi, Violin concerto in B flat; Vivaldi, Sinfonia in D; Mozart Piano concertos 3 & 5, Beethoven, Piano Concerto no. 5, “Emperor”; Gjeilo, Gabriel’s Message; Bach JS, Ave Maria; Bach JS, Magnificat in D; Barber Adagio for Strings; Handel, How beautiful are the feet; Handel, He shall feed his flock; Handel, Pastoral Symphony from Messiah; Haydn Sinfonia Concertante; Bach CPE Flute Concerto; Handel, For thou that tellest good tidings; Bach JS, Christmas Oratorio;
During Holy Communion:
During Communion music will be sacred, prayerful, peaceful and often deeply emotional.
Mozart, Ave Verum Corpus; Taize, Jesus Remember Me; Bartsch, Forever & No Time At All; Einaudi, Nuvole Bianche; Westlake/Lior, Sim Shalom; Adam, O Holy Night;
Recessional:
The last piece of music people will hear at the end of the service needs to be celebratory, optimistic and full of possibilities for the coming week. Often this will be a joyous piece from cultures around the world.
Clausen/Stellenbosch University Choir, Plenty Good Room; University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, Hallelujah: We Sing Your Praises; Taylor/Nina Simone, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free; Altman et al, I will follow Him (Sister Act soundtrack); Gurrumul, The Sweetest Name; Nystrom, In the Presence of your People; Handel, Unto Us a Son is Born;
Corowood Choir
The Corowood Community Choir is a choir for all ages who wish to sing in a relaxed setting learning different types of music, sacred and secular. The aim of the choir is to sing together, occasionally at church services. Our concerts are free to attend, but any donations received are given to charity.
Practice is on Thursday evenings at 7:15pm in the parish hall at the rear of St John’s church next to the Coromandel Valley Primary School. The music focus varies for each concert.
Would you like to join us? The choir is always interested in adding new members.
Auditions are not required. Please contact the Parish office if you would like more information and we will connect you with the choir leader Jen Dickenson.