Musical tradition

The Church of England is reputed for its music. Our services are interspersed with hymns that have stirring tunes and organ voluntaries which soothe our souls and lift our hearts. Indeed, our bishop, Robert Innes, reminds us that Music is part of the Church of England’s culture and tradition.

Christ Church organ

A popular concert venue

Beyond our own congregation, Christ Church is gaining a reputation with the local population as a Lausanne concert venue. Replacing our floor has provided us with vastly improved acoustics and several ensembles have performed recently in our beautiful building.

We welcome requests from performers who are interested in planning a concert at Christ Church. Contact us for further information.

Groups have included the Lausanne choir, Laudate, who performed works spanning all centuries and another successful choir, Callirhoé, with a programme of beautiful music by Mazé and Rachmaninov composed entirely for women’s voices.

The Orchestre de la Riponne, now known as the Orchestre Amati, have returned several times with concerts of popular string music, including Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition and themes from Dvorak’s New World Symphony. On one occasion, they were accompanied by a large choir from Yverdon, La chorale protestante, who gave a joyful rendering of Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Archdeaconry Choir Festival

Each year one of the chaplaincies in the Diocese hosts the annual Archdeaconry Choir Festival. In May 2017 it was again Christ Church’s turn to organise it.

The weekend provides the opportunity for singers from all the English-speaking Anglican and Episcopalian churches in Switzerland to unite and work together on a work they might not otherwise have the opportunity to sing in their own chaplaincy. Everyone is welcome and most choirs set up practice times in order to cover the groundwork beforehand and arrive with the works already well familiar.

For choristers and congregation alike the festival provides a wonderful occasion to celebrate a traditional choral evensong or sung Eucharist. The 2017 programme included some glorious pieces of 20th century music written by composers such as Nardone, Dyson, Bairstow, Radcliffe, Bainton and Stanford and, with a wonderful accompaniment by a gifted organist, it cannot help but lift the spirit.

Ecumenical Carol Service

The annual service of nine lessons and carols is traditionally held in St. François on the second Sunday of Advent. It was again organised by Christ Church and singers were invited to join in the practices set up beforehand.

Inspiration to the glory of God

Music at Christ Church is an inspiration to us. Indeed, Bach himself once said, “Music’s only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit“. Let us continue in this great musical tradition!