On Good Friday, 18 April 2025, the Lay Clerks and Organists of Canterbury Cathedral will perform a selection of contemplative music by candlelight in the beautiful and intimate surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral’s Quire.

The programme, with its backbone of Renaissance polyphony including works by Tallis and Victoria, also features contrasting organ music by twentieth century composer Herbert Howells, lauded for his exceptional contribution to church music. The programme finishes with the fittingly atmospheric De profundis by contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

The Choir will be directed by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, Canterbury Cathedral and the organ will be played by David Newsholme, Director of Music, Canterbury Cathedral.

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Canterbury Cathedral presents A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight

Canterbury Cathedral

Elgar conceived The Kingdom as part of a trilogy of oratorios though he only completed two, the second being The Apostles. His oratorio The Dream of Gerontius stands apart from these two works, but the best writing in The Kingdom and The Apostles marks them as equals. The soaring soprano solo ’The sun goeth down’ is outstandingly impressive and demanding for the singer, in this performance to be sung by Sophie Bevan, returning after last singing it with CCS to great acclaim in 2011 at the outset of her prolific career.

Elgar tells the story of the development of the Christian church with choruses and solos of touching beauty together with some of his most stirring and evocative orchestral writing. A wonderful work not to be missed!

Canterbury Festival

Jun 21, 2025

Canterbury Choral society presents Elgar: The Kingdom

Apr 18, 2025

Canterbury Cathedral presents A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight

Canterbury Festival