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VAUGHAN WILLIAMS AND BERNSTEIN CHORAL FAVOURITES COME TO CATHEDRAL
30th September, 2026
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An evening of thrilling choral and orchestral music is in store at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 21 November, when the 140 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society – the region’s leading large classical choir – perform an invigorating programme of 20th century British and American favourites, alongside star soloists.
Headlining the concert is Ralph Vaughan Williams’s powerful 1936 cantata Dona Nobis Pacem (“Give us peace”) – a choral work of huge scale and intense emotion that makes an impassioned plea for peace amidst fears of war. Susan White, chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society said: “This Vaughan Williams piece has everything – thrilling music, tenderness and drama, and heartfelt Walt Whitman verse. It really does continue to strike a chord today.”
The concert also includes exhilarating classics from two, beloved American composers. Leonard Bernstein’s choral masterpiece, Chichester Psalms, is a triumphant blend of Hebrew text, vibrant melodies and syncopated rhythms that bear a further message of peace. There is also an orchestral treat: Aaron Copland’s lively Appalachian Spring, depicting a joyful young American Pioneer couple as they prepare for their wedding day.
Performing with WFCS will be two, award-winning soloists whose credits include The Royal Opera House, English National Opera and countless concert and recording appearances: soprano Susanna Fairbairn (pictured at a past WFCS concert), and baritone Jolyon Loy. The concert is supported by the Meridian Sinfonia symphony orchestra, and conducted by Worcester Cathedral’s director of music, Samuel Hudson.
Susan White added: “This is an especially enjoyable autumn concert. Each of these wonderful works has a distinct character, from moments of stirring reflection to huge excitement – a treat for every music lover. They also all bring a strong theme of peace, with the American works also marking this year's 250th anniversary of US independence.”
Established in 1861, Worcester Festival Choral Society’s auditioned singers come from across the region. The society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each season, performing some of the world’s ‘great choral works’. Many of its members are also selected to sing in the renowned Three Choirs Festival Chorus, which returns to Worcester in 2027.
For tickets click HERE or call TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).
Next Concert
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS - DONA NOBIS PACEM
Vaughan Williams DONA NOBIS PACEM
Bernstein CHICHESTER PSALMS
Copland APPALACHIAN SPRING
Experience the region’s leading,
large classical choir, with full symphony orchestra, performing an ... read more
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