Rarely performed at Wells Cathedral, their renowned choir will be singing the sublime choral work, Fauré’s Requiem, in a fund-raising concert on Saturday 24th September, alongside other popular choral works. Completing the Requiem in 1900, Gabriel Fauré described it as being “dominated from beginning to end by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest,” and there can surely be few more remarkable venues than this in order to fully appreciate it.
Not only does it promise to be a spectacular event due to Wells Cathedral’s impressive interior, but an unmissable musical treat due to Wells Cathedral Choir itself, which, first founded in 909 AD, is currently hailed as one of the most awe-inspiring sounds in the world, and sings a wide repertoire of music ranging from the Renaissance period to the present day. Matthew Owens, Organist & Master of the Choristers, who regularly tours with the choir internationally, makes live recordings, and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, will be conducting the Fauré’s Requiem concert in September.
Matthew Owens, Organist and Master of the Choristers
The choir is at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral, with some members of the choir and other staff still lucky enough to live in houses belonging to Vicars’ Close in the precincts of the Cathedral – the most complete medieval street in England. Today there are nine Vicars Choral and three Choral Scholars, all professional singers, who are paid a stipend by the Chapter and are provided with housing.
Begun about 1175, Wells was the first English cathedral to be built entirely in the new Gothic style, which, with its striking Scissor Arches, 14th century Jess stained glass window, and ancient clock (considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain), is now considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England, yet is arguably never more alive than when its remarkable choir is in full song.
Tickets for Fauré’s Requiem at Wells Cathedral on Saturday 24th September are now on sale. Priced from £10.00 – £25.00 they can be purchased either in advance from the Box Office or on the door on the day. For further information visit the website.
