As a composer, conductor, and singer, Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association with choral music, first as a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, and for 12 years as a member of the King’s Singers.  He became a full-time composer in 1997, embracing his career with energy and commitment, and producing a large catalogue of music for all types of choirs.

He has written substantial sacred works including the ‘St John Passion’ for Wells Cathedral Choir and ‘the Salisbury Vespers’. ‘A Little Jazz Mass’ and the ‘Requiem’ are amongst a number of works which continue to be performed worldwide.

He has written many pieces for children, including his much-loved song, ‘Can you hear me?’, and a significant amount of music for the church.  In 2013 he wrote The King shall rejoice for the service in Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2006, ‘Psalm 150’ was commissioned by our very own Miss Vickery in order to celebrate FHS’ 125^th anniversary. Naturally, it has become of three school anthems that we sing every year. In 2019, Miss Vickery entered the Senior Chamber Choir in for the BBC School Choir Of The Year Award. Through the resilience of the girls and many rehearsals, they made it to the semi-finals! The school has gone through a lot of struggle since the pandemic and certainly, we have held each other up with perseverance and navigated through the new difficulties covid-19 presented. Now, finally, the entire junior and senior school have the opportunity to all come together and sing together after so long. ‘Psalm 150’ will, of course, be sung with great fervour. Looking at the lyrics, ‘Psalm 150’ has such a brilliant light-hearted, dance-like quality, it is hard to resist dancing whilst singing!

Miss Murata

O praise God in his holiness;
praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts;
praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet;
praise him upon the harp and lyre.
Praise him with timbrel and dances;
praise him upon the strings and pipe.
Praise him with ringing cymbals;
praise him upon the clashing cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord.