WORCESTER was alive with the sounds of choral concerts, chamber recitals, and family events as the Three Choirs Festival celebrated the natural world and its musical inspirations.
This year’s festival, directed by Samuel Hudson, captivated audiences with a programme featuring composers such as Judith Weir and Bob Chilcott, who were present to witness their works being performed.
The festival opened with a concert featuring Holst’s ‘The Hymn of Jesus’ and Stanford’s ‘Stabat Mater.’
Highlights of the festival included a late-night concert by Roger Sayer at Worcester Cathedral.
Other premieres included tributes to the late Steve Martland by Luke Lewis and Joe Duddell, performed by the Heath Quartet and GBSR Duo.
Chief Executive Alexis Paterson said: “What an incredible eight days of music-making (and more) this has been.
“I’m so grateful to our wonderful audiences, outstanding artists and composers, fantastic volunteers, committee, board, cathedral and venue teams, and our simply brilliant staff and crew for making this such a memorable festival.
“But most of all, congratulations must go to Samuel Hudson for his first ‘normal’ Three Choirs in Worcester post-lockdown.
“What a triumph it’s been. Here’s to a return to Hereford next year that feels just as buoyant, welcoming, and packed with amazing musical experiences.”
The Three Choirs Festival will move to Hereford in 2025, where Artistic Director Geraint Bowen has planned an exciting programme, including Mendelssohn’s fiery ‘Elijah’ and two new festival commissions from Richard Blackford and Bob Chilcott.
