The Breath of Life

The Breath of Life Choral Weekend - Dol de Bretagne, Brittany
*** last few places ***

Hosted by Choeur KanSynergie


Sing in the European premiere of Matthew Coleridge's radiant new cantata, The Breath of Life, in the superlative setting of Dol de Bretagne's 13th century Gothic cathedral - under the baton of the composer!


Joining forces with chamber choirs from Brittany and Normandy, 100 singers will unite for a spectacular performance, accompanied by a professional orchestra.

We'll rehearse during the morning and afternoon of Saturday 23rd May, before performing in the cathedral on the evening of Sunday 24th, followed by a celebratory Breton supper together!


Brimming with rhythmic energy, lyrical beauty and emotional depth, The Breath of Life is the extraordinary new choral work from composer Matthew Coleridge.


From the shimmering stillness of its opening to its elemental evocation of thunder and vivid echoes of the natural world - singing this vibrant music is an emotionally-charged and overwhelming experience.


This singing weekend is for experienced choral singers with a good grasp of music reading.

Music must be purchased ahead of the weekend, and you will be expected to be familiar with it before rehearsals.


Rehearsal tracks are provided for you to learn the music ahead of the day.

Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.



 Matthew Coleridge is a great force for good in the choral world  - Alexander Armstrong, Classic FM

Details and timings

Weekend schedule

  • Saturday 23rd May 2026

    10:00 - 13:00

    choir rehearsal with piano accompaniment, Dol de Bretagne Parish Centre

  • 15:00 - 18:00

    choir and orchestra rehearsal

  • Sunday 24th May

    13:00 - 15:30

    full rehearsal in cathedral nave

  • 17:00 - 18:00

    concert performance in Dol de Bretagne cathedral

  • ...followed by a celebratory post-concert Breton supper in the parish centre

Dol de Bretagne Cathedral
Dol de Bretagne Cathedral
KanSynergieChoeur KanSynergie
Matthew Coleridge
SINGER COMMENTS

 Stunningly beautiful, glorious... such a joy to sing. I can't really explain how I felt at the end but it was really quite visceral emotion that I have not experienced before in a choral work.  
Hilary, Sherborne Abbey October 2025

 An emotionally-charged and in places wholly overwhelming experience 
Bob, Selby Abbey November 2025

 An experience unlike any other - The Breath of Life is somthing else! The singer to my left and I both looked at each other with tears in our eyes on that final note. Gooesbumps. 
Claire, Coventry Cathedral 2025

Mailing list
Choral workshops 2026

Come and sing with one of the UK's most exciting choral composers, Matthew Coleridge

 A great force for good in the choral world  - Alexander Armstrong, Classic FM

Cambridge

Cambridge
Saturday 7th March 2026

Requiem in a Day at Downing Place URC, in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital



Harrogate

Harrogate
Saturday 25th April 2026

Yorkshire Choral Workshop - in association with Harrogate Choral Society



Christchurch

Christchurch Priory
Saturday 9th May 2026

Come and Sing on the Dorset coast, as we perform Matthew's radiant new cantata The Breath of Life



Brittany

Brittany - Dol de Bretagne Cathedral
Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th May 2026

Sing in the European premiere of The Breath of Life *** last few places ***



Pershore

Pershore Abbey
Saturday 6th June 2026

Come and sing radiant new cantata The Breath of Life in a beautiful abbey in the Midlands



plymouth

Plymouth Minster
Saturday 20th June 2026

Requiem in a Day - come and sing in association with Plymouth University Choral Society



Halifax

Halifax Minster
Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th July 2026

Come and Sing The Breath of Life with Halifax Choral Society at Halifax Minster Summer Festival



shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Abbey
Saturday 26th September 2026

Sing The Breath of Life with massed Shropshire choirs, hosted by Shrewsbury Choral Society



bradford

Bradford
Saturday 10th October 2026

Requiem in a Day - in association with Bradford Chorale



paris

Paris
Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October 2026

Requiem weekend in Paris - come and sing at The American Cathedral