The Christmas Concert with Saint Cecilia Singers in Gloucester Cathedral is the real start of Christmas for many of the people who attend year after year. The mystery and magic of Christmas comes to life in glorious music, the communal singing of carols, and poignant readings. The glory of the cathedral, its ancient history, and its extraordinary acoustic, make this an uplifting and memorable experience.
The Saint Cecilia Singers was founded in 1949, has a strong link with Gloucester Cathedral, and performs two or three concerts there each season. The choir also performs throughout the county. Recent tours have been to Durham Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
The choir is a dedicated group of enthusiastic and gifted amateur and semi-professional singers. Over recent years the choir has built an enviable reputation for its versatility, innovative programming and high standards. Its extensive repertoire covers secular and sacred music from early music to contemporary works and special commissions.
Benjamin Nicholas is the Reed Rubin Organist and Director of Music of Merton College, Oxford. He has conducted the College Choir on tours to the USA, Sweden and France, on BBC Radio 3 and BBC TV, and on recordings for Delphian. He has conducted Saint Cecilia Singers since the start of the 2013-14 season.