Yesterday, Tuesday 5th March 2024 was College Evensong from 18:30 - 19:50 in the War Memorial Chapel. 

This was a momentous occasion, with several school and OD brass players participating in the service. 

A new anthem, "Come Shout With Joy", was specially commissioned for the occasion with words by two ODs, Frank Barry (1973G) and Archie Swanson (1973G), and set to music by the composer Grant McLachlan (1973F), all three members of the 1973 matric class. 

ODs who performed are in the photograph - soloist Matthew Ferrandi (2009G), and James Lister (2010G) and Matthew Dennis (2009G).

The Music director Mark Mitchell whose initiative this is, and who is organising a series of concerts together with the ODU for Bishops' special year, is at the organ.

Grant McLachlan is conducting.

"Come Shout with Joy" was composed in celebration of 175 years of Diocesan College.  It is for Tenor, Bass chorus with organ, two trumpets and trombone.

            Come Shout with Joy

We come from rocky paths and diverse ways.

One tree with many branches leaves and roots.

The hope of yesteryear and future days.

The origin of countless gifts and fruits.

And so let us with one accord exclaim.

One genesis - one provenance - one place.

Come shout with joy of His abundant grace.

His goodness and His righteousness proclaim.

No water can be gathered in a fist

And food tastes better shared by one and all.

A smile will thaw the apprehensive child

And guiding arms may well prevent a fall.

So let us kneel before Him and give thanks

He who created mountain, sea and sky,

In praise and wonder at His holy works

And feel His sacred pressure ever nigh.

Come shout with joy of His abundant grace.

His goodness and His righteousness proclaim.

[The lyrics are jointly by Frank Barrie aand Archie Swanson (copywright 2024)].