The Grenfell Requiem Mass

Updated: Jun 17, 2025

On Friday, All Saints held its annual Requiem Mass in remembrance of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, marking the eighth anniversary of the tragedy. This year’s service featured a poignant musical centrepiece: a newly commissioned motet by Sir James MacMillan, written especially for the ASCC Schola. Inspired by the In Paradisum text from the Requiem Mass, the piece draws on Gregorian chant traditions and subtly weaves in the melodic contours of O When the Saints—a touching tribute to the choir’s name and spiritual legacy.

The motet received its world premiere at the memorial Mass held at Westminster Cathedral. It was an incredibly moving experience—both beautiful and reflective—as our community came together to honour the memory of those lost and to share in our collective grief.

The piece will be recorded as part of the Schola’s ambitious 2026 recording project, marking a major milestone in the choir’s journey and reaffirming their dedication to creating music that is both meaningful and transformative.

"May the angels lead you into Paradise: may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May the choirs of angels welcome you, and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may you find eternal rest."

In Paradisum, Antiphon for The Requiem Mass