About

Songs by Gustav and Imogen Holst, Benjamin Britten, John Dowland, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Madeleine Dring, Rebecca Clarke, Muriel Herbert and Dilys Elwyn-Edward, performed by tenor James Gilchrist – one of the finest interpreters of English song today, and pianist Ashok Gupta.

The recital will take place in the Chapter House within Gloucester Cathedral. Tickets can be purchased from chairman@holstsociety.org or by cash on the door subject to availability - please do get in touch to secure your seat!

Hosted by The Holst Society, our recital, 'Light and Song', lives in the light and darkness of life through poetry and song. With music and words from four centuries, we have lovers seeking the shade of trees, gazers at the stars of heaven, summer evening sunset, dreams, imaginings and heaven.

There are some lesser-known gems and some familiar songs. A highlight is Britten's astonishing Canticle 1 'My beloved is Mine', which sets the metaphysical poet Francis Quarles as he meditates on divine love. Surrounding this masterpiece are works of Dowland, Vaughan Williams, Gustav and Imogen Holst, Rebecca Clarke, Madeleine Dring, Muriel Herbert, and a little gem by Dilys Elwyn-Edwards setting Yeats. The recital offers a glorious kaleidoscopic vision of English Song and we are delighted to welcome James Gilchrist and Ashok Gupta.

Later in the afternoon, Choral Evensong takes place in the Cathedral from 16:30 and features the young voices of St Benedict's Singers. The programme includes Gustav Holst's 'The Day of the Lord' in an arrangement for lower voices. All welcome.

Visit The Holst Society website to find out how we help to support recordings and performances.