An evening of thrilling choral and orchestral music is in store at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 21 November, when the 140 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society - the region’s leading large classical choir - perform an invigorating programme of 20th century British and American favourites, alongside star soloists.

Headlining the concert is Ralph Vaughan Williams’s powerful 1936 cantata Dona Nobis Pacem (“Give us peace”) - a choral work of huge scale and intense emotion that makes an impassioned plea for peace amidst fears of war.

The concert also includes exhilarating classics from two, beloved American composers. Leonard Bernstein’s choral masterpiece, Chichester Psalms, is a triumphant blend of Hebrew text, vibrant melodies and syncopated rhythms that bear a further message of peace. There is also an orchestral treat: Aaron Copland’s lively Appalachian Spring, depicting a joyful young American Pioneer couple as they prepare for their wedding day.

Performing with WFCS will be two, award-winning soloists whose credits include The Royal Opera House, English National Opera and countless concert and recording appearances: soprano Susanna Fairbairn, and baritone Jolyon Loy. The concert is supported by the Meridian Sinfonia symphony orchestra, and conducted by Worcester Cathedral’s director of music, Samuel Hudson.

Established in 1861, Worcester Festival Choral Society’s auditioned singers come from across the region. The society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each season, performing some of the world’s ‘great choral works’. Many of its members are also selected to sing in the renowned Three Choirs Festival Chorus, which returns to Worcester in 2027.

For tickets visit the WFCS website or call TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).

Photo Credit Michael Whitefoot