The Breath of Life

Come and Sing Matthew Coleridge's radiant new cantata, The Breath of Life

in association with Shrewsbury Choral


Join acclaimed composer Matthew Coleridge and Shrewsbury Choral for an unforgettable day of choral singing in Shrewsbury Abbey.

Brimming with rhythmic energy, lyrical beauty and emotional depth, The Breath of Life is an extraordinary new choral masterpiece from the pen of one of the UK's most exciting composers.


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.


Hosted by Shrewsbury Choral, for this extra-special day of singing we'll also be joined by singers from Shrewsbury School Choirs and Shrewsbury School Community Choir for a massed choirs performance of this glorious music!


After an uplifting and inspiring day of rehearsals, we’ll give a powerful concert performance with professional string ensemble, organ and percussion, in the exceptional setting of Shrewsbury Abbey.


This singing day is open to singers of all abilities, but basic music-reading skills are essential.


Music will be available to borrow or buy on the day. 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

Timings on the day (provisional)

  • 10:00

    singer registration

  • 10:30 - 13:30

    morning rehearsal (with piano accompaniment)

  • 13:30 - 14:30

    break lunch (bring a packed lunch or visit a local café)

  • 14:30 - 17:30

    afternoon rehearsal (choir, organ, strings, percussion)

  • 19:00 - 20:00

    concert performance of The Breath of Life

Shrewsbury Abbey
Shrewsbury
Matthew Coleridge
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