Under the directorship of John Cranston, St. Margaret’s School, Edinburgh, was renowned for its music in general and its choral singing in particular. The Senior Choir distinguished itself at festivals throughout the country and is the only Scottish school choir to have won first prize at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. It gave numerous broadcasts on BBC radio and television, a series of concerts in the U.S.A. and performed with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
St. Margaret’s Singers is a small group of former St. Margaret’s School pupils who continue to meet weekly and sing a wide range of choral music under the direction of John Cranston. All members learned to sing and appreciate their love of music at St Margaret’s School (school leavers between 1980 to 1995 approx) and continue to develop their musical abilities, repertoire and lifelong friendships week after week. Although there are no immediate concerts/services planned for the remainder of 2025, the choir continues to sing every week, and hopes to resume events in the future. Below are some of the events which have been held in recent years:
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- Easter Sunday, Craigmillar Park Church – here’s a memory of one of our Easter choral favourites “All in the April Evening”. Hopefully this recording from brings some happy memories to you all.
- Summer Concert June 15, 2024, Reid Memorial Church – we were delighted that so many of you were able to join us. We do have video recordings of most of the songs, so if you have a favourite, do let us know and we can share it with you. Here are a few to whet your appetites: Prayer of St Francis of Assisi; For the Beauty of the Earth; Climb Every Mountain; School Song. We hope you enjoy!
- If you missed the 2022 summer concert, you can still enjoy this video recording
- St. Margaret’s Day November 16 – in 2024, the St. Margaret’s Singers were invited to celebrate St. Margaret’s Day at the Canongate Kirk. Many former pupils and staff attended. A recording is available for anyone who was not able to be there in person.
- St. Margaret’s former pupils and staff have been fortunate to be very warmly welcomed to celebrate St. Margaret’s Day at St. Mary’s Cathedral in prior years. If you have been unable to be there in person, you can listen to the 2021 recording here.
- There are currently no plans for a Christmas Carol Service in 2025.
Weekly practice sessions at Reid Memorial Church, Mondays 7.30-9pm (if you are interested in joining, a short audition is all you will need)