Baby, I’ve been here before...

No, Leonard Cohen never visited the Cathedral of The Isles, but that line slid into my mind this afternoon, past the music from the past and the Magnificat setting that was newer than any Cohen song, as I found myself back in the choir stalls with the two men with whom I’ve shared the St Maura Singers since 1968.

We were the choir for Choral Evensong that ended the Annual Meeting of The Friends of The Cathedral at which we sang the setting of the Mag and Nunc that Himself wrote earlier this year. For once Mary’s words were given to a woman, with the men provided a quiet commentary, the whole set to music with Palestinian overtones. I love it, and today I was in good voice and had all my wits about me.

A deep breath of incense almost floored me, but I survived - purified, as Kevin our Bishop insisted. Altogether another splendid visit to my favourite cathedral. Who cares if it rained all day?