We're delighted to be hosting our North West singing day in Chester with Paul Mealor!
Join us in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral for a royal-themed day of singing. Paul was one of twelve composers to be asked by the King to write a new work for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla last year in Westminster Abbey and his 'Coronation Kyrie' marked the first Welsh language performance at a Coronation. Enjoy singing some historic favourites as well as discovering some new works, all performed in last year's service, and hearing about Paul's experience as a Royal composer.
All music will be provided on the day and will include familiar favourites such as Handel's Zadok the Priest and Parry's I was glad, along with Paul's new Coronation Kyrie, Debbie Wiseman's Alleluia, and earlier works by coronation composers of the past such as Byrd and Weelkes.
Described by The New York Times as 'the most important composer to have emerged in Welsh choral music since William Mathias', Paul has become a widely known and performed composer of choral music. He has composed for some of the most important UK state, national and Royal occasions of the past ten years, including the wedding of The Prince and Princess of Wales (2011), King Charles's 65th 70th and 75th birthdays, three works for the late Queen Elizabeth's national Services of Thanksgiving (2022), two works for the Coronation (2023) and three works for The Honours of Scotland Service (2023).
He has also written music for film and television including the score to the BAFTA-Award winning 'Wonders of the Celtic Deep', three operas, four symphonies, concerti, chamber music, songs and much choral music. He has received many awards for his work including honorary degrees, fellowships and in January 2024 was appointed to The Royal Victorian Order (LVO) by HM King Charles III for his outstanding contribution to Royal Music. He is the first composer to receive this award since Sir Arthur Bliss in 1969 and before him, Sir Edward Elgar.
Tea and coffee will be available during registration (9.45 - 10.15am) and the cathedral's cafe will be open throughout the day for refreshments and lunches. Alternatively there are numerous cafes in the city centre. There is parking nearby, or you might like to use the park and ride - find out details about getting to the cathedral here.
Our day will finish at 3pm, in time for the cathedral's choir to rehearse for evensong, which takes place at 4.15pm, so do stay on for that if you can. We're very grateful to the Dean and Chapter of Chester Cathedral for making the cathedral available to us.
Download a flier about the day here.
Cost (per person, including tea and coffee):
£30 (non members)
£20 (abcd members)
£15 (students and under 18s, must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day)
£25 for group bookings of 6 or more (abcd members free if bringing a group of 6 or more)