THOUSANDS of music-lovers from across the world are expected to flock to Worcester next week for the celebrated Three Choirs Festival.
One of the Faithful City’s most anticipated events on the calendar, this year’s festival will take place from this Saturday to Saturday, July 29 and will include a packed programme of more than 70 major concerts, workshops and family-friendly activities.
The world-famous event, which celebrates its 302nd anniversary this year, features major classical concerts in Worcester Cathedral at its heart, as well as a wide range of other choral, chamber and organ music, drama, dance and singing workshops, talks and children’s activities.
Concert-goers can enjoy a tented ‘Festival Village’ on College Green behind Worcester Cathedral, which will house a café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a wine bar with cask ales and ciders.
Free ‘Players on the Green’ performances will take place twice daily, and there will also be displays from local craftspeople, an exhibition of artwork from illustrator John Rowlands-Pritchard and special sponsor activities.
Alexis Paterson, chief executive of the Three Choirs Festival, said: “This year’s festival is a feast of musical experiences. On the choral and orchestral side, this year’s eight, flagship evening Cathedral concerts include works both classic and contemporary, such as Mendelssohn’s immense oratorio ‘St Paul’ and Tippett’s astonishing ‘A Child of Our Time’.
“There is also an unmissable chance to hear the wonderful Choir of King’s College Cambridge in Worcester Cathedral on the last day of the festival, as well as the three cathedral choirs of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester.
“There will even be a rare opportunity to hear four magnificent Tudor ‘symphonies’ in an afternoon Cathedral concert performed by The Cardinall’s Musick ensemble, as well as an afternoon premiere recital by talented mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately.
“Even babies and toddlers can get their first taste of musical fun at our five, special interactive ‘Tiny Tunes’ music workshops.
“In all, Worcester will be hosting more than 500 acclaimed performers coming from every corner of the UK as well as overseas, especially the USA. It promises to be a wonderful musical celebration in every way.”
Visit www.3choirs.org/events/2017-festival-programme to buy festival tickets or for more information.
