Three Choirs Festival
@threechoirs.bsky.social
The leading choral music festival since 1715.
🌐 www.3choirs.org
🌐 www.3choirs.org
Pinned
Gloucester 2026 | Three Choirs Festival
Learn more about the Gloucester 2026 festival here! See what's on, who's performing and how to get involved!
3choirs.org
In case you missed it, we've released our Gloucester 2026 preview! Find out what's in store in next year's programme!
👉 3choirs.org/gloucester-2...
👉 3choirs.org/gloucester-2...
Meet our assoicate composer Gavin Higgins! - Gavin spoke to us about being the first in the programme, his relationship with Gloucester Cathedral and how it feels to be part of our 300 year history.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSQV...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSQV...
Gavin Higgins | Associate Composer 2026–2028
YouTube video by Three Choirs Festival
www.youtube.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Meet our assoicate composer Gavin Higgins! - Gavin spoke to us about being the first in the programme, his relationship with Gloucester Cathedral and how it feels to be part of our 300 year history.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSQV...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSQV...
The Three Choirs Festival announces Andrew Reid as the new Artistic Director of the Hereford Three Choirs Festival, following his appointment as Hereford Cathedral’s Director of Music and Conductor of the Hereford Choral Society.
Read more: 3choirs.org/news/andrew-...
Read more: 3choirs.org/news/andrew-...
January 20, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Three Choirs Festival announces Andrew Reid as the new Artistic Director of the Hereford Three Choirs Festival, following his appointment as Hereford Cathedral’s Director of Music and Conductor of the Hereford Choral Society.
Read more: 3choirs.org/news/andrew-...
Read more: 3choirs.org/news/andrew-...
Ivor Novello, the Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer was born on this day 133 years ago. Keep an eye out for our full programme in March, where you'll see some of his best known music!
January 15, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Ivor Novello, the Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer was born on this day 133 years ago. Keep an eye out for our full programme in March, where you'll see some of his best known music!
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣6️⃣ | Charles Wood’s ‘Never Weather Beaten Sail’ is a masterpiece of English part-song writing, setting a poignant poem by Thomas Campion.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlYx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlYx...
Never Weather Beaten Sail
YouTube video by Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣6️⃣ | Charles Wood’s ‘Never Weather Beaten Sail’ is a masterpiece of English part-song writing, setting a poignant poem by Thomas Campion.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlYx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlYx...
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣6️⃣ | Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Hymn to the Virgin’ is a hauntingly beautiful example of his ability to blend ancient tradition with modern sensitivity.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0O...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0O...
VOCES8: A Hymn to the Virgin - Benjamin Britten
YouTube video by VOCES8
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣6️⃣ | Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Hymn to the Virgin’ is a hauntingly beautiful example of his ability to blend ancient tradition with modern sensitivity.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0O...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z0O...
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣5️⃣ | Sir Hubert Parry’s majestic anthem, ‘I was glad’, is a cornerstone of English choral tradition and a celebration of entering a sacred space.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQY...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQY...
Parry: I Was Glad
YouTube video by Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣5️⃣ | Sir Hubert Parry’s majestic anthem, ‘I was glad’, is a cornerstone of English choral tradition and a celebration of entering a sacred space.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQY...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQY...
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣2️⃣ | Monteverdi's 'Vespro della beata vergine' of 1610 is a landmark piece of on an enormous scale. It demands a rich array of period instruments and huge vocal forces to celebrate the glory of the Virgin Mary.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24k...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24k...
Monteverdi | Marienvesper - Wiltener Sängerknaben, J. Stecher, Academia Jacobus Stainer
YouTube video by Südtirol in concert
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣2️⃣ | Monteverdi's 'Vespro della beata vergine' of 1610 is a landmark piece of on an enormous scale. It demands a rich array of period instruments and huge vocal forces to celebrate the glory of the Virgin Mary.
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24k...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24k...
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣1️⃣| Beethoven's 'Mass in C' offers a profound and uplifting experience, a cornerstone of choral repertoire. This majestic work is perfectly suited for the rich and vibrant sound of the Three Choirs Festival Chorus!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOjr...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOjr...
Beethoven | Mass in C major Op. 86
YouTube video by Südtirol in concert
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 1️⃣1️⃣| Beethoven's 'Mass in C' offers a profound and uplifting experience, a cornerstone of choral repertoire. This majestic work is perfectly suited for the rich and vibrant sound of the Three Choirs Festival Chorus!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOjr...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOjr...
Advent Calendar | Day 🔟 | Cecelia McDowall's exciting 'Rain, Steam and Speed' is based on Turner’s painting, 'Rain, Steam and Speed, The Great Western Railway' which depicts a broad gauge engine steaming across Maidenhead Viaduct. 🚅
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iX...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iX...
Rain, Steam and Speed
YouTube video by Cecilia McDowall - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Advent Calendar | Day 🔟 | Cecelia McDowall's exciting 'Rain, Steam and Speed' is based on Turner’s painting, 'Rain, Steam and Speed, The Great Western Railway' which depicts a broad gauge engine steaming across Maidenhead Viaduct. 🚅
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iX...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iX...
Advent Calendar | Day 9️⃣ | Rubbra's 'Sinfonia da Camera' brings a dramatic and intense flare to next year's programme. This expressive work is sure to fill the acoustic of Gloucester Cathedral!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRbQ...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRbQ...
Symphony No.10 "Sinfonia da Camera" - Edmund Rubbra
YouTube video by Sergio Cánovas
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Advent Calendar | Day 9️⃣ | Rubbra's 'Sinfonia da Camera' brings a dramatic and intense flare to next year's programme. This expressive work is sure to fill the acoustic of Gloucester Cathedral!
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRbQ...
Listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRbQ...
Advent Calendar | Day 8️⃣ | Stanford takes us on a voyage of the oceans in his song cycle 'Songs of the Fleet'.
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-G...
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-G...
Charles Villiers Stanford : Songs of the Fleet for baritone, chorus and orchestra Op. 117 (1909-10)
YouTube video by Rodders
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 8️⃣ | Stanford takes us on a voyage of the oceans in his song cycle 'Songs of the Fleet'.
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-G...
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm-G...
There's still time to book your tickets to our festive gathering at Standish! We would like to thank long-time festival supporter Louise Nicholson for hosting this event. Here's a message from her about what Christmas is like at the Abbot's Wing:
3choirs.org/events/a-thr...
3choirs.org/events/a-thr...
A Three Choirs Festive Gathering at Standish | Three Choirs Festival
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our ex
3choirs.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
There's still time to book your tickets to our festive gathering at Standish! We would like to thank long-time festival supporter Louise Nicholson for hosting this event. Here's a message from her about what Christmas is like at the Abbot's Wing:
3choirs.org/events/a-thr...
3choirs.org/events/a-thr...
Advent Calendar | Day 5️⃣ | The wonderful Katelyn Emerson combines her skilful organ playing with the power of the Philharmonia Orchestra on 27 July in a performance of Poulenc's thrilling Organ Concerto.
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RduL...
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RduL...
Francis Poulenc - Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings in G minor
YouTube video by olla-vogala
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 5️⃣ | The wonderful Katelyn Emerson combines her skilful organ playing with the power of the Philharmonia Orchestra on 27 July in a performance of Poulenc's thrilling Organ Concerto.
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RduL...
Listen Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RduL...
Advent Calendar | Day 4️⃣ | The Philharmonia Orchestra play Elgar's lively 'Cockaigne Overture'! Explore London through this cheerful and colourful musical portrait of the capital. 🇬🇧
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMZi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMZi...
Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 "In London Town"
YouTube video by Philharmonia Orchestra - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 4️⃣ | The Philharmonia Orchestra play Elgar's lively 'Cockaigne Overture'! Explore London through this cheerful and colourful musical portrait of the capital. 🇬🇧
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMZi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMZi...
Advent Calendar | Day 3️⃣ | Ex Cathedra joins us once again at Gloucester Cathedral for a performance of Rachmaninov's sensational 'Vespers' (All Night Vigil) on 26 July. This is a performance not to be missed!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI9B...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI9B...
All-Night Vigil, Op. 37: Hail, O Virgin Mother (Ave Maria)
YouTube video by Latvian Radio Choir - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 3️⃣ | Ex Cathedra joins us once again at Gloucester Cathedral for a performance of Rachmaninov's sensational 'Vespers' (All Night Vigil) on 26 July. This is a performance not to be missed!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI9B...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI9B...
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is now LIVE! Double your donation, and make a difference this christmas! 🙌☃️
We're raising funds for our 2026 Participation Project 'Sing My Story'.
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
We're raising funds for our 2026 Participation Project 'Sing My Story'.
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Sing My Story – Big Give
Combined in-school, music, song writing & story writing workshops for over 200 primary schoolchildren, focussed in socially deprived areas.Children discover, create & enjoy music together, learn to wr...
donate.biggive.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:29 PM
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is now LIVE! Double your donation, and make a difference this christmas! 🙌☃️
We're raising funds for our 2026 Participation Project 'Sing My Story'.
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
We're raising funds for our 2026 Participation Project 'Sing My Story'.
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Advent Calendar | Day 2️⃣ | Walton's exquisite 'Belshazzar's Feast' closes the first evening concert of Gloucester 2026! This piece is a Festival Chorus favourite and will once again grace the stage of the Three Choirs for the first time since 2013!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSP9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSP9...
Belshazzar's Feast: I. Thus spake Isaiah
YouTube video by Philharmonia Orchestra - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Advent Calendar | Day 2️⃣ | Walton's exquisite 'Belshazzar's Feast' closes the first evening concert of Gloucester 2026! This piece is a Festival Chorus favourite and will once again grace the stage of the Three Choirs for the first time since 2013!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSP9...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSP9...
Advent Calendar | It’s the 1st of December, meaning we kick off our 2025 advent calendar! 🎄
First up - Elgar’s breathtaking Symphony No 1. Composed in 1908, this is one of only two symphonies that Elgar composed.
Listen here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yidn...
First up - Elgar’s breathtaking Symphony No 1. Composed in 1908, this is one of only two symphonies that Elgar composed.
Listen here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yidn...
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: I. Andante nobilmente e semplice - Allegro
YouTube video by Philharmonia Orchestra - Topic
www.youtube.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Advent Calendar | It’s the 1st of December, meaning we kick off our 2025 advent calendar! 🎄
First up - Elgar’s breathtaking Symphony No 1. Composed in 1908, this is one of only two symphonies that Elgar composed.
Listen here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yidn...
First up - Elgar’s breathtaking Symphony No 1. Composed in 1908, this is one of only two symphonies that Elgar composed.
Listen here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yidn...
The Three Choirs Festival remembers Anthony Boden (1938–2025).
Anthony was Administrator of the Gloucester Festival, a musicologist and author of the definitive 'History of the Three Choirs Festival'.
Anthony was Administrator of the Gloucester Festival, a musicologist and author of the definitive 'History of the Three Choirs Festival'.
Festival Archivist Simon Carpenter remembers Anthony Boden (1938–2025) | Three Choirs Festival
One of my most prized treasures is a copy of Herbert Brewer’s memoirs signed by his successor as Gloucester organist, Herbert Sumsion. It was given to me
3choirs.org
November 28, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The Three Choirs Festival remembers Anthony Boden (1938–2025).
Anthony was Administrator of the Gloucester Festival, a musicologist and author of the definitive 'History of the Three Choirs Festival'.
Anthony was Administrator of the Gloucester Festival, a musicologist and author of the definitive 'History of the Three Choirs Festival'.
We're thrilled that the Philharmonia Orchestra are our Orchestra in Residence. After 13 years and over 65 performances, which has been your favourite? 🙌
James Buckle, President & Principal Bass Trombone sends this message ahead of Gloucester 2026 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0W...
James Buckle, President & Principal Bass Trombone sends this message ahead of Gloucester 2026 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0W...
A message from President of the Philharmonia Orchestra James Buckle
YouTube video by Three Choirs Festival
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:31 AM
We're thrilled that the Philharmonia Orchestra are our Orchestra in Residence. After 13 years and over 65 performances, which has been your favourite? 🙌
James Buckle, President & Principal Bass Trombone sends this message ahead of Gloucester 2026 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0W...
James Buckle, President & Principal Bass Trombone sends this message ahead of Gloucester 2026 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0W...
We'd like to wish our American Friends, and all those across the pond, a very happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
We had an incredible time at the American Friends' Reception at Hereford, and look forward to welcoming you to Gloucester next summer!
We had an incredible time at the American Friends' Reception at Hereford, and look forward to welcoming you to Gloucester next summer!
November 27, 2025 at 4:40 PM
We'd like to wish our American Friends, and all those across the pond, a very happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
We had an incredible time at the American Friends' Reception at Hereford, and look forward to welcoming you to Gloucester next summer!
We had an incredible time at the American Friends' Reception at Hereford, and look forward to welcoming you to Gloucester next summer!
'I didn't even realise I had an accent until other students laughed at it'
Our Associate Composer Gavin Higgins writes in Gramophone on music and class.
Our Associate Composer Gavin Higgins writes in Gramophone on music and class.
'I didn’t even realise I had an accent until other students laughed at it' | Composer Gavin Higgins on classical music and class
The issue isn’t the artform; it’s access — and every child should have access to music
www.gramophone.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 10:20 AM
'I didn't even realise I had an accent until other students laughed at it'
Our Associate Composer Gavin Higgins writes in Gramophone on music and class.
Our Associate Composer Gavin Higgins writes in Gramophone on music and class.
We'd like to wish our Royal Patron, His Majesty The King, a very happy 77th birthday 🎂🎈
November 14, 2025 at 1:51 PM
We'd like to wish our Royal Patron, His Majesty The King, a very happy 77th birthday 🎂🎈
There's still time to book for our Festive Gathering at Standish!
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our exciting raffle, featuring top prizes like tickets for a Gloucester 2026 concert!
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our exciting raffle, featuring top prizes like tickets for a Gloucester 2026 concert!
A Three Choirs Festive Gathering at Standish | Three Choirs Festival
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our ex
3choirs.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:45 AM
There's still time to book for our Festive Gathering at Standish!
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our exciting raffle, featuring top prizes like tickets for a Gloucester 2026 concert!
Enjoy a festive reception and buffet lunch, complete with Christmas music and carols performed by the Lay Clerks of Gloucester Cathedral. Don't miss our exciting raffle, featuring top prizes like tickets for a Gloucester 2026 concert!
We're just three weeks away from this year's Big Give Christmas Challenge! 🎄
Who remembers our Gloucester 2023 'What the Lark Saw' performance? Our fantastic community groups and schools took to the stage to sing and play music inspired by Vaughan Williams and the Gloucestershire countryside.
Who remembers our Gloucester 2023 'What the Lark Saw' performance? Our fantastic community groups and schools took to the stage to sing and play music inspired by Vaughan Williams and the Gloucestershire countryside.
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
We're just three weeks away from this year's Big Give Christmas Challenge! 🎄
Who remembers our Gloucester 2023 'What the Lark Saw' performance? Our fantastic community groups and schools took to the stage to sing and play music inspired by Vaughan Williams and the Gloucestershire countryside.
Who remembers our Gloucester 2023 'What the Lark Saw' performance? Our fantastic community groups and schools took to the stage to sing and play music inspired by Vaughan Williams and the Gloucestershire countryside.