Ely Choir Residency 13-25 July 2022
The St. John’s Cathedral Choir will return to England to serve a week-long residency at Ely Cathedral. While there, the choir will sing daily evensong at 5:30 and end the week with Sunday Eucharist at 10:30 and Evensong 4:00.
Cost for the trip is $3,750.00 per person based on double occupancy rooms (either two twin beds or one full bed). Single occupancy is available for an additional $920.00. These prices include all in-country travel, accommodations, entry to excursions, all breakfasts, and a few lunches and dinners. Airfare to Paris and from London are not included, although we will offer a group flight with details to come shortly. Travelers are welcome to make their own flight arrangements, allowing for additional travel before or after the group trip.
The trip will begin with four days in Paris, one of the most beautiful and navigable cities in Europe. Thursday and Friday will be free days to explore the city. Our group will stay at the Mercure hotel that is adjacent to the grounds of the Eiffel Tower.
On Saturday, the choir will rehearse at the American Cathedral (part of the Episcopal Church of America) then travel on to the Roman Catholic church of La Madeleine (pictured right) to sing the Saturday evening mass.
On Sunday morning we will check out of the hotel and return to the American Cathedral (pictured below) to sing the Sunday Eucharist service.
Following the service, the group will board the EuroStar train to travel to London via the Chunnel. We will transfer trains at St. Pancras / Kings Cross (fans of Harry Potter can visit Platform 9-3/4 on the way!) to take us to Ely.
Once in Ely, we will settle in to our accommodations at The Lamb, a short walk from the Cathedral. During the week we have several wonderful excursions planned in addition to daily evensong. On Monday we will enjoy a full guided tour of the Cathedral.
Tuesday’s excursion will be to Burghley House, one of the most elegant Elizabethan estates. Built between 1565 and 1587 by William Cecil, the estate is home to over 300 works of art and extensive landscaped grounds.
Wednesday will include a half day in Cambridge (a 25-minute bus ride away) along with a guided tour of the famous Kings College Chapel.
On Thursday we will return for a full day at Cambridge to explore the many colleges, chapels, bookstores, tea shops, and possibly even a chance to punt on the river Cam.
Friday will include a visit to the Queen’s country estate at Sandringham (pictured right.)
Saturday will be an unstructured day to explore the charming town of Ely. Evenings through the week will also provide a chance to socialize with fellow travelers and enjoy a pint in the local pubs.
Sunday will end the trip with a day of services in the Cathedral and a farewell banquet.
Chartered coaches will take travelers to Heathrow Airport on Monday morning following hotel check-out.
We enthusiastically invite everyone to join the choir on this pilgrimage to Paris and Ely. For more information, please speak to Jason Overall, Eunjin Choi, Whitney Ross, or Chris Hackett.
