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Music has played an integral role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral since its foundation by St Augustine in 597 AD. The Cathedral’s musicians continue to inspire and uplift those who visit Canterbury today.
A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight
Good Friday (18 April), 19:30-21:00
The Lay Clerks and Organists of Canterbury Cathedral will perform a selection of contemplative music by candlelight in the beautiful and intimate surroundings of the Cathedral 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.
Tickets: £22 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
Highlighted vacancy
Choral Scholars
We are delighted to provide opportunities for outstanding early-career singers to contribute to the musical life of the Cathedral and to develop their musical talents and career ambitions.
Our Choral Scholars will sing at all services and events with the Cathedral Choir and in addition will offer around 7 hours per week of work to the Cathedral in further musical performance, outreach, and music administration.
In return, the Scholars are offered accommodation in the historic Cathedral Precincts, fully-funded singing lessons, a bespoke career mentorship scheme, and the opportunity to develop their talents and CV through a range of creative projects.
Highlighted Music events
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Holy Week Reflections: Living with Hope †
Monday 14 - Wednesday 16 April, 17:30 in the Quire
Join Dean David and the choir each evening for a Holy Week reflection based on our Lent and Easter theme of ‘Hope’.
A service of Said Evening Prayer will also take place each day Monday 14 - Saturday 19 April, at 16:00 in the Crypt - in person only.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Canterbury Cathedral presents
A Concert of Music for Holy Week by Candlelight
Good Friday (18 April), 19:30-21:00 in the Quire
This Good Friday, 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.
Tickets: £22 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
Friday 2 May, 18:15 in the Quire after 17:30 Evensong
FREE Informal Organ Recital
with Robin Walker, The King’s School, Canterbury
One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List
Choral Evensong to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day †
Thurs 8 May, 17:30
This service will feature the lighting of the VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace, and the singing of “I vow to thee my country”, which is to be sung across the nation on this day, to mark this very special commemoration.
Followed by the Ringing Out in Celebration of Peace at 18:30
As church bells ring out across the nation to mark VE Day, the Cathedral bells will join in the peal.
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
*The Big FRIENDly Sing! - Saturday 10 May*
- 12 May
- 9 June
NEW DATES ADDED REGULARLY
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
Friday 6 June, 18:15 in the Quire after 17:30 Evensong
FREE Informal Organ Recital
with Simon Hogan, Southwark Cathedral
One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List
Dates in June, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
FREE* Summer Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral and Organ Scholars
Wed 11 June - Ellen Griffiths (Alto)
Wed 18 June - Benjamin Ferriby (Bass)
Wed 25 June - Ivan Leung and Jamie Rogers (Piano)
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
A Memorial Concert for The Very Rev’d Dr Robert Willis Dean Emeritus
Saturday 28 June, 19:30 in the Cathedral Nave*
All are welcome to attend.
Free event; with donations encouraged in Dean Robert’s memory,
to The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No: 1210093).
Booking required to reserve a seat.
* This event is in person only, and will not be live streamed or recorded.
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