As part of the RSCM’s Centenary programme, A Century in Song highlights one piece from each decade of our existence for you to sing in 2027.

Join us this autumn and in spring 2027 for Inside… A Century in Song, a series of free, half-hour lunchtime sessions exploring the music with a variety of experts.

We begin on Thursday 17 September with Vaughan Williams: O taste and see, featuring Jeremy Summerly.

Seven contemporary composers. One ancient tradition.

In 2025, the Church of England commissioned new choral settings of the Advent Antiphons for its seasonal resource O Come Emmanuel: Reflections on the Advent Antiphons. Seven contemporary composers have created original settings of these ancient texts, traditionally sung during the final days of Advent.

RSCM Publications is delighted to publish this new collection, perfect for Evening Prayer, Advent Carol Services and beyond. Give these ancient texts a new voice this Advent.

Join us in celebrating the talents and commitment of our young choristers, and all the lifelong skills that being a chorister helps to foster.

A special prayer is available for use, along with other suggestions and resources on our website.

Do make a splash on social media using the hashtag #internationalchoristerday. Share what you’re doing so that we can celebrate your activities and connect them through our social media wall.

Created in partnership with the RSCM, this one-day symposium celebrates church music in all its glory, with inspiring speakers, practical ideas and plenty of encouragement to take back to your home parish.

Special prices are available for RSCM Members, Church Times subscribers, ordinands, full-time students and under-30s.

For full details and booking, click the button below to visit the Hymns Ancient & Modern website.

The Harold Smart Competition encourages the composition of simple anthems, with or without organ accompaniment, for performance in a church service by a choir of modest attainment. Works should be no more than five minutes long, with accompaniment that is not technically demanding, and should reflect contemporary musical styles.

The competition launches on 1 September 2026, when we will publish the words to be set and details of how to enter. The closing date is 4 January 2027. The winner will receive £500 to be spent on training and developing their skills as a composer, and the possibility of publication.