Music & Choir
St John’s has a strong tradition of choral music that gives voice to our praise and enriches our experience of worship. Our choir sings at the main 10am Sunday service, and at other special times in the church’s calendar. We currently hold Choral Evensong three or four times a year. The music is carefully planned and, at the main service, often involves an introit, anthem, mass setting and psalm or canticle.
We sing services occasionally at Southwark and Rochester Cathedrals and have often been in residence for a weekend in August at Derby Cathedral. Social occasions are arranged from time to time, such as outings, pub lunches and parties.
Our Director of Music, John Webber, has considerable experience in church music, and seeks to nurture both the musical skills and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith of all in the choir. We are fortunate in having a team of assistant organists to support the Choir and the Director of Music.
Choral Evensong 2026
Sunday 7 June
Sunday 22 November
See the April – June 2026 music list here
Joining the St John’s Choir
The choir sings in harmony and to be a member you need to have at least a basic grasp of the reading of musical notation. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings and before services. New members are very welcome.
Pictured top left: St John’s Choir at Rochester Cathedral, January 2026 (photo by Giles Camplin) Bottom left: St John’s Choir members Tina Hampson, Gill Nash and Maya Corbin photographed with John Webber ( Director of Music at St John‘s), who have recently been awarded the RSCM Silver Award.
*NEW* St John’s Children’s Choir
We’re excited to announce that our new children’s choir will begin rehearsals after the Easter holidays. The choir is open to
children in years 3-6, with rehearsals taking place on Tuesdays from 3.30pm-4.40pm. It’s free to join and no choral singing
experience or music reading ability is required. To register your interest please email our Children’s Choir Director, Elly, on
office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
St John’s Church Organ
The church organ dates from 1985 and has been at St John’s since 2011, having been generously given to the church on a permanent loan by Trinity Laban Conservatoire (formerly Trinity College of Music). The organ has three manuals and there is a considerable variety of sounds available.
Saturday Morning Organ & Piano Recitals 2026
9 May – Alan Langridge, Penge (organ)
13 June – Calum Ward, St. Laurence, Catford (piano)
18 July – Ann Hubble, Norbury (violin) and Richard Mander, St. Mildred’s, Addiscombe (organ)
19 September – Theo Geileskey, Organ scholar at King’s College, London and St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge
Our Saturday morning recitals are at 11am for forty minutes, with tea and coffee served after. Admission to recitals is free; retiring collection.
For organ enthusiasts you can see more information about our organ at the National Pipe Organ Register.
