Morning Calm

Escape the daily stress of the city for fifteen minutes every morning

09/06/08

Every weekday morning in the wonderful Georgian splendour of St George’s Hanover Square, there is a five minute musical prelude performed by gifted postgraduate pianists from the Royal College of Music.

The programme includes Bach, Debussy and Schubert followed by a period of reflective silence for meditation or private thought. Morning Calm ends with the Lord's prayer and a short daily collect (for those who wish to stay) at 8.45am.

The Rector, the Reverend Roderick Leece who is leading this initiative said:

“A number of professionals working locally have expressed an interest in using this tranquil space to gather their thoughts before starting a hectic day of business or commerce in central London. With many people working longer hours and not taking lunch breaks, the daily Morning Calm allows people of any faith - or no faith -to ground themselves at the start of the day, and offers the opportunity to stop and think about life for ten minutes before another demanding day”.

The pianists who have played so far come from diverse backgrounds and areas of the world – from China, Japan, Austria, France and Poland. In addition to well known repertoire there has been the occasional musical offering of more contemporary works – including from Spain and Japan. The Rector will himself be performing for the week commencing Monday 16th June.

St George’s Church has received sponsorship from local organisations who are pleased to support this initiative and believe it will benefit their employees. The Church sees it as part of its mission to reach out to all who work in the stressful local business environment of the West End. For the so many people who complain they never have time to stop and collect their thoughts, perhaps finding Morning Calm at St George’s Hanover Square is the answer.