The architecture of music
Since its foundation in 1868, music has been integral to the life and worship of this church. The design and layout of the building is a splendid example of sacred Anglican architecture, build to enhance a sense of being part of something greater than oneself. St Michael’s unmatched acoustic and its beautiful interior make it a very enriching environment for all who come here. Many visitors say that it inspires a sense of mystery and awe, simply being present in the church, which is deepened by the experience of sacred music.

Music in the liturgy
Choral and organ music is interwoven with the liturgy in all services. Mass and Choral Evensong at St Michael’s are sung by a robed mixed choir of experienced singers with a repertoire which spans over six centuries. Music is characterised by the use of traditional plainsong chant, English and European Renaissance polyphony, music of the Anglican choral revival from the past 150 years and up to the present day.

Feast days at St. Michael’s Mount Dinham
Key feasts and festivals with sung liturgy include Candlemas, the Easter Vigil and Easter Day Ascension Day, Corpus Christi, the Assumption, Michaelmas, All Souls, the Advent Procession, Midnight Mass and Christmas Day. During Holy Week, the ancient office of Tenebrae is sung on Good Friday at sunset from the West Gallery.

For Music events and the Music on the Mount chamber music concert series, click here.

Music facilities at St Michael’s
The choir stalls within the Chancel are original church furnishings and hold between 24 and 32 singers. The optimum capacity for ensembles is up to 12 musicians in the Crossing and up to 60 musicians for workshops in the Crossing and Chancel combined. The nave and side chapels can hold up to 300 people seated for concerts and services. For a floorplan of the church, please go to the Interactive Floorplan page here.

The Organ & Piano
The Victorian pipe organ is maintained by Lance Foy. The Yamaha Grand piano (C2) in the Crossing is tuned by Graham Sharland. Both instruments are available to hire for practice and performance.

Our Patron
The patron of St. Michael & All Angels Mount Dinham is the Dean and Chapter of Exeter cathedral. Music at St. Michael’s is also generously supported by Exeter cathedral’s department of Liturgy & Music.

Contact
To find out more about music at St. Michael’s, or to hire the church, organ or piano for rehearsals or performances, please email; mountdinhaminfo@gmail.com and your enquiry will be passed to the music team.