Cathedral concert to honour Lay Clerk Ian - The Worcester Observer

Cathedral concert to honour Lay Clerk Ian

Worcester Editorial 10th Jun, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A PERFORMANCE Handel’s Israel in Egypt will take place in Worcester in memory of popular Lay Clerk Ian Bell who was due to take one of the solo roles.

Ian, who had been a friend and colleague of Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir’s Musical Director Stephen Shellard for nearly 25 years, had been battling a terminal illness for some time but bravely vowed to sing in the concert on Saturday (June 13).

However his health suddenly deteriorated and he passed at St Richard’s Hospice at the end of April. His memorial service last month saw Worcester Cathedral packed in tribute with family, colleagues and friends from across the UK.

Ian’s part is now being sung by his long-time friend Steve Grice who joins fellow soloists Vicki Field, David Barclay, Tom Hunt, Sebastian Field and Kirsten Offer.




Dedicating the performance of Handel’s magnificent oratorio was the natural thing for Stephen and the rest of the Chamber Choir as Ian had often fulfilled the role of solo bass in many previous Chamber Choir concerts.

“On his move to St Richard’s Hospice Ian had asked me for a copy of the Handel so that he might begin to prepare for the performance,” he said.


“He also talked about making an appearance with the Cathedral Choir at Evensong before long. “However, fate stepped in and denied us one last chance to hear his superb bass voice.

“It was a pleasure and privilege to have known and worked with him for all those years”

The Worcester Chamber Orchestra will be accompanying on period instruments and the Chamber Choir will be be joined by Lichfield Cathedral Chamber Choir who will be the second choir for the double choir choruses.

This is a rare chance to hear one of Handel’s most exciting oratorios – described as ‘fierce and fabulous’ when it appeared on The Times’ recent Hot 50 list of things critics would pay to see this summer – in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral.

The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15 (students and under 18s, £5).

Visit the cathedral shop, call 01386 860389 or log on to www.worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk for more information.

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