Author: Julie

 

On Saturday 24^th January 2026 at 7.30pm, St Mary de Castro Church are delighted to welcome the Castle Baroque Players and Chorus to perform the E flat major ‘Magnificat’ by J.S. Bach.

Castle Baroque Players was founded on Castle Street by Seb Carrington and Tim Batchelar in July 2025, with the goal of reviving Baroque music in the Leicestershire music community after a decades-long absence. The inaugural concert series, ‘Introducing Castle Baroque Players’, showcased local semi-professional and amateur musicians, many of whom had never played authentic instruments before. Through masterclasses and tuition, which are central to their educational programme, they have emerged as one of the most exciting new music projects in the Midlands.

Castle Baroque Players play almost exclusively on period instruments (or faithful replicas), the likes of which Baroque composers would have been very familiar with and probably had in mind when writing their music. While it isn’t possible to fully recreate the sound of the eighteenth century, one can at least get closer to how these composers would have wanted to have heard their music played, using historical instruments and observing performance practices documented in treatises.

This is an exciting opportunity to hear a wonderful performance by the Castle Baroque Players.

 

The E flat major ‘Magnificat’ by J.S. Bach is an earlier version of the more famous D major ‘Magnificat’, this piece includes wonderful arias and uplifting choruses that set a triumphant tone on the text of Mary’s song. Performed on authentic instruments, and conducted by guest artist David Fisher, this dream programme is one of the most exciting events of the 2026 calendar, as large-scale Baroque performance born and bred in Leicestershire returns to St Mary de Castro.

The concert is conducted by Guest Conductor David Fisher.

PROGRAMME
Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto Grosso in G minor ‘Fatto per la Notte di Natale’, op. 6 no. 8

J.S. Bach
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a

 

Tickets can be purchased at TicketSource page (www.ticketsource.co.uk/castle-baroque-players), at the door, or by contacting tickets@castlebaroqueplayers.co.uk

SoundCafe Leicester ended the summer season in song and celebration at St Mary de Castro Church with the formal licensing of the Revd Tony Leighton as leader for this BMO (Bishop’s Mission Order).

On Monday 30 June, guests, trustees, colleagues and supporters came together for a fun afternoon of activities and licensing service, followed by cream tea and songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Bishop Saju, who conducted Revd Tony’s licensing, sang his heart out alongside the SoundCafe choir, much to the joy of everyone gathered.

 

SoundCafe Leicester is a registered charity, providing a safe creative space for adults who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, vulnerable or socially isolated as a consequence of their living arrangements.

The charity offers opportunities to promote feelings of well-being, confidence and self-esteem by enabling their guests to take part in creative activities such as singing together, poetry, crafts, drawing and painting. They empower them to find ‘their voice’ and thereby redefine who they are and shape their journey of rebuilding their lives.

As current Chair of Trustees, volunteer, choir member, and long-time supporter in prayer of the charity, Revd Tony was the perfect fit for ‘leader’ of the BMO in his ministerial capacity.

In his last diocesan role before ‘retirement’, he was Master (Chaplain and Governor/Trustee) of The Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity, and currently serves as Bishop’s Officer for Retired Clergy and Widows and has Permission to Officiate.

Reflecting on the licensing occasion, Revd Tony said: “The most special moment for me was, before the formal licensing, when Bishop Saju asked the guests about Sound Café and they (without prompting) shouted out how much they liked being part of Sound Café. They said they feel safe and part of a ‘family’. Although Bishop Saju’s singing with the choir will long be remembered!”

 

He added: “Going forward, I want SoundCafe to continue to reach out to more of those who would find what we offer helpful.
“We also need to have a more secure financial base. We have no endowment funds and have to constantly prepare grant proposals to other charities and organisations to ask for their financial support.”

How You Can Help

Donate time to SoundCafé:

• Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis to support the project on Wednesday afternoons.
• Could you provide professional skills on a consultancy basis to advise the Trustee Board? e.g. legal, financial, human resources

Get in contact at: www.soundcafe.org.uk

‘Find a Voice’ Campaign

SoundCafe is currently fundraising through spacehive.com/find-a-voice

All pledges of support will help make the difference to giving its guests ‘their voice’ and addressing the challenge of homelessness – please pledge if you are able.

Article published in www.leicester.anglican.org

This is a rare opportunity to see Gavin Bryars in concert in the beautiful setting of St Mary de Castro Church, playing a programme of his early works, including newly discovered scores from the 1960s that have not previously been performed.

As part of the opening of John Beck and Matthew Cornford’s exhibition ‘The Art Schools of the Midlands’ at the Leicester Gallery, the Gavin Bryars Ensemble will be playing a special, one-off concert at St Mary de Castro Church in Leicester.

Gavin taught in the art department at Leicester in the 1970s and 1980s, and this concert will be the first he has played in the city in over 30 years. The programme will include compositions from the 1960s and 70s – including three pieces that Gavin wrote for Derek Bailey, including one recently discovered in Bailey’s archive at Huddersfield University – and will conclude with a performance of Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, which was first transcribed from the original recording in the sound studio in the Fine Art building.

The programme will be as follows and will conclude by 8:00pm

1,2,1-2-3-4 (1972) 

The Squirrel and the Ricketty Racketty Bridge (1972) 

Catalogue (1965)

16 Continuous Fragments for solo guitar (1965)
Mr Sunshine (1968)

– Interval –

Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet (1971)

Tickets are available at https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-gavin-bryars-ensemble/st-mary-de-castro/3380682?preview=true

 

For more information about Gavin Bryars see the links below:

https://ivorsacademy.com/news/gavin-bryars-awarded-with-innovation-award-at-the-ivors-classical-awards/

https://www.musarc.org/artists/gavin-bryars/

Early in 2024 John Bence, St Mary de Castro’s Organist and Choir Master for over 50 years sadly passed away.

As mentioned in John’s Obituary, he was an extraordinary man who was fundamental in continuing the great choral tradition at St Mary de Castro Church.

However, in later years the choir membership has fallen and we are no longer able to hold Evensong and many full choral services.

As a lasting tribute to John we are delighted to announce the formation of the John Bence Memorial Fund.

The aim of the fund is to recruit a Musical Director who will be tasked with rebuilding the choir.

The John Bence Memorial Fund will open on Sunday 29th December at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

There has been tremendous support from friends and family of John and friends of St Mary de Castro Church, both past and present. A a choir of 38 Voices has been created for the service – the De Castro Christmas Choir with Willard Welsford as Conductor and Nicholas Friedersdorff as the Organist.

All are welcome to join us for the Choral Service and to join us afterwards for refreshments and to launch the John Bence Memorial Fund.

If you would like to donate via our JustGiving page, please click the link below

Just Giving – John Bence Memorial Fund

or scan the QR code below

We have a full month of services, concerts and during December and January. We will also somehow manage to fit in the Christmas Lunch!

De Montfort Chamber Choir, Leicester University Chamber Choir and the Leicestershire Chorale will all be joining us to celebrate over Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.

We also have our usual Sunday and Wednesday Mass at 11am.

All are invited to join us at this special time of year.

Sunday 1^st December 11am – Mass (1^st Sunday in Advent)

Sunday 1st December 6pm – Advent Carol Service with De Montfort Chamber Choir

Saturday 7th December 7.30pm – Leicester University Chamber Choir Christmas Concert – Tickets will be available on the door

Sunday 8^th December – 11am – Mass (2^nd Sunday in Advent) 

Saturday 14th December 7.30pm – Leicestershire Chorale Christmas Concert – Further information can be found at https://www.leicestershirechorale.org.uk/concert/the-jolly-shepherd-jazzy-choral-music-for-christmas-with-organ/

Sunday 15^th December 11am – Mass (3^rd Sunday in Advent) 

Monday 16^th December 2pm – SoundCafe Christmas Concert – Free admission

Sunday 22^nd December 11am – Mass (4^th Sunday in Advent)

Tuesday 24th December 11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Sunday 29^th December 11am – Mass

Sunday 29th December 6.30pm – Christmas Carol Service

Monday 6th January 2025 7.30pm – Epiphany Carol Service sung by De Montfort Chamber Choir

As we draw close to the end of this academic year, we will briefly say goodbye the Leicester University Chamber Choir. St Mary de Castro Church has been used by the choir for rehearsals and we have very much enjoyed their concerts and special services over the past year.

They are a group of amazing musicians, and we think they are wonderful, adding so much to our worship. It looks like the feeling is mutual. We received an enormous card from them earlier this month.

We are delighted that the Choir has confirmed that they will be joining us again after the summer holidays and will continue to sing at some more services at St Mary de Castro during the next academic year. We will also be treated to a concert in December!

More information will be available later in the year.

Thank you to Leicester University Chamber choir and we look forward to you joining us again in September.

 

Summer is here! Although the weather has not confirmed this yet.

There are a number of events at St Mary de Castro over the next few months for music lovers, history buffs and people who are curious and want to see a little more of their local area and the church.

In addition to our services on Wednesdays and Sundays we are open to the public at the following times. (Subject to volunteer availability):

• Monday: 11am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday: 12 noon – 2pm
• Wednesday: 10.30am – 10.55am; 11.30am – 12 noon
• Thursday: 12 noon – 2pm
• Friday and Saturday: 12 noon – 4pm
• Sunday: 10am – 10.55am; 12.15pm – 1pm

If you are part of a large group wishing to visit us, please contact us by email (stmarydecastroleicester@gmail.com) to let us know when you are coming.

On the last Sunday of May, June, July, August and October we are open for Heritage Sundays. To download a copy of the Heritage Sunday leaflet please click here. You can also book onto 1 hour guided tours from local history experts. Tickets: £6 adults, £5 concessions (over 60s, students/children).

And not forgetting, the Ride and Stride on Saturday 14^th September. For more details see https://www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/

 

We also some special services and concerts from local choirs:

• Wednesday 26^th June 5.30pm Choral Evensong from the De Montfort Chamber Choir
• Monday 8^th July 2-3pm SoundCafe Choir
• Thursday 15^th August 7.30pm Mass for Assumption Day sung by Cantores Vagantes Choral Society

 

Have a wonderful Summer and we hope to see you soon!

We are looking for volunteer Welcomers to welcome visitors to our beautiful historic church.

The Welcomer should be someone who likes and gets on with people no matter who they are; is pleasant, open, polite, kind and personable.

Our visitors are the general public who are local, national and international, and from all walks of life. People will come in to look at the building – its architecture and history, or they might just come in to be quiet in a sacred place.

No previous experience is required; you will be shown what to do.
Hours of opening can be found on our ‘Home page’.

If you are interested, please contact our Church Wardens – details below.

Chris Phillips
Tel: 0116 429 5381 / 07801 653896
email: stmarydecastroleicester@gmail.com
Alan Fletcher
Tel: 0116 244 8680 / 07780 607063
email: stmarydecastroleicester@gmail.com

By Andrew Green

It is with great sadness that we learnt last week of the passing of John Bence, organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s for over 50 years, following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s. John was a remarkable man in so many ways and his contribution to the music at St Mary’s and further afield will never be forgotten. He established a fine choral tradition over many years which was enhanced each Christmas when he invited other singers to join the choir for the carol service – always on the first Sunday after Christmas and with John’s own individual style always evident.

John had always had an interest in Early Music and in 1989 established the Leicester Early Music Festival. Initially this started as a three-day event over the late May Bank Holiday weekend with most events being held at St Mary’s. The festival soon became a great success and ran for thirty years, quickly expanding to a three-week event and attracted some of the leading exponents of Early Music including Emma Kirkby, The Sixteen and Michela Petri. As the festival expanded, further venues were used including Leicester Cathedral, The Guildhall, St Nicholas Church, the old costume museum and even some hostelries! Events also became more wide ranging including wine and whisky tastings and festival dinners. John also ran an annual come and sing choral workshop on the late May Bank Holiday morning at St Mary’s. This involved an intensive morning’s rehearsal followed by singing what had been learnt at the lunchtime mass. The amount of work involved in arranging the festival each year was phenomenal and is testament to John’s unfailing dedication and work ethic.

John also founded the Longslade Consort in 1979 – this was initially a group of ex pupils from Longslade School Birstall where he was Head of Music who wanted to carry on their music making under him after they had left. This gradually developed into an Early Music group and ran for almost forty years giving concerts across the country and bringing Early Music to people who wouldn’t otherwise have heard it.

There is so much more that could be said. John was a fine organist, teacher, instrument builder, tuner and repairer. (He single handily kept the increasingly failing organ at St Mary’s in working order). An excellent cook, dinner companion and someone who could put their hand to almost any DIY task! Most importantly a friend to so many and someone who has touched the lives of so many. RIP John- we will miss you.