The event is one of many in 2024 marking the centenary of the death of Charles Villiers Stanford, whose liturgical music is particularly well known to church and cathedral choirs and congregations. The service will include the Anglo-Irish composer’s settings of O for a closer walk with God, the Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in A, and The Lord is my Shepherd.
A full choir, drawn from across the region, will be accompanied by the cathedral’s Harrison & Harrison organ, built for the new cathedral in 1962, and the full Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra, directed by international conductor Nicholas Cleobury.
Cleobury commented: ‘These works are so “orchestral” in concept, with a variety of colours and textures; the sheer range and excitement of a large orchestra, make such an event very special.”’
The event is taking place on the weekend closest to the date of Stanford’s birthday (30th September 1852), with the Come & Sing workshop starting at 1pm followed by the service at 4pm. Both are open to all.
Participating in the singing costs £15 (adults)/£5 (under 18s), which includes a souvenir copy of all the music; booking deadline: 24 September. There is no admission charge for the service.
Further information and booking here.
