A TOUR of the Channel Islands is due to take place at the end of March when the cathedral choir sings a series of services and concerts. This is the first tour since the pandemic and a part of the cathedral’s welcome to Channel Island colleagues.

Salisbury Journal: Image Finbarr WebsterImage Finbarr Webster (Image: Finnbarr Webster)

On Sunday, March 5 and prior to the tour, a special concert will take place at Salisbury Cathedral featuring highlights from the tour repertoire. This will reflect the season of Lent and features Gregorio Allegri’s setting of Psalm 51, Miserere mei, Deus, Hubert Parry’s Lord, Let me know mine end and Stanford’s eight-part Latin Magnificat which he dedicated posthumously to Parry.

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Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, David Halls, said: “We are very much looking forward to the tour and sharing the music we will perform in the Channel Islands. The tours are both musically and educationally valuable to choristers.

“It works as a team bonding exercise and as a reward for hard work. They are working well together at the moment, and their performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio during Epiphany was stunning.”

Salisbury Journal: Image Finnbarr WebsterImage Finnbarr Webster (Image: Finnbarr Webster)

The concert will be sung by the full choir of boys, girls and men and will be conducted by David Halls, Salisbury Cathedral’s Director of Music. Accompanying the concert and on tour will be John Challenger, the assistant director of music.

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On April 5, the Holy Week Concert will also have the full choir of boys, girls and men who will perform Stainer’s Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer.

It was first performed in Marylebone Church on February 24 1887, the day after Ash Wednesday.

It is an accessible and dramatic telling of the story of Christ’s Passion composed by John Stainer. Words are by The Revd W J Sparrow Simpson who was the vicar of St Mark’s, Regent’s Park at the time.

Salisbury Cathedral's Director of Music, David Halls, will direct the performance, with soloists from the Cathedral choir - Edward Rimmer (tenor) and Richard Hooper (bass). Assistant Director of Music, John Challenger will accompany the choir on the celebrated Father Willis organ.

Tickets for the concert on March 5 cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. Tickets can be purchased now on the Salisbury Cathedral website. Doors open at 5.30 pm for a 6 pm start. Visitors with access requirements can email boxoffice@salcath.co.uk

Tickets for the Holy Week Concert will be available for purchase next month.