Coutances • 20-23 Aug 2027

Sing Requiem in Coutances Cathedral

A unique opportunity to sing Matthew Coleridge's Requiem in one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals! This choral weekend in Normandy, hosted by local chamber choir Lux Aeterna, will be directed by composer Matthew Coleridge.

We'll be performing a concert in the cathedral on Sunday 22nd August 2027 (early evening), and you will also have the option to sing at the cathedral's Sunday morning Mass, and in a second concert on Monday 23rd at nearby Abbaye de la Lucerne.

As well as Requiem, we'll be singing Karl Jenkins Benedictus from The Armed Man, Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, and Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow from The Breath of Life.

Coutances
Coutances

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

Details and timings

Schedule

  • Friday 20th August 2027

    evening rehearsal in Coutances - optional attendance

  • Saturday 21st August

    afternoon rehearsal in Coutances (venue and time TBC)

  • Sunday 22nd August

    (optional) sing in the morning Mass at Coutances Cathedral! We'll sing repertoire from our concert, including Matthew's Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

  • Sunday 22nd August

    afternoon rehearsal and early evening concert in Coutances Cathedral. One of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals, the space will resound to 120 choral voices, accompanied by the Grand Orgue.

  • Monday 23rd August

    (optional attendance) we'll be singing a second concert on Monday afternoon in nearby Abbaye de la Lucerne, a glorious 12th century church surrounded by forest and parkland.

FAQs

WHAT WILL WE BE SINGING?

Repertoire will include Matthew Coleridge's Requiem (in its entirety), plus selected movements of his other works including The Breath of Life, plus music by Karl Jenkins (Benedictus from The Armed Man) and Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine. We'll be accompanied by the cathedral's spectacular Grande Orgue, and professional cello and soprano soloists.

CAN ANYONE COME AND SING?

We hope this event will appeal to experienced choral singers and to enthusiastic less-experienced singers! You don't need to be a strong sight-reader; home rehearsals tracks can be provided. There's a lot of music to learn, so it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself in advance!

HOW MANY SINGERS WILL THERE BE?

We're expecting around 120 singers, and a friendly mix of UK and French voices. We will ensure there is a good balance between voice parts (no, you definitely won't be the only tenor!).

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation and travel.

CAN NON-SINGING PARTNERS ATTEND?

Yes! They're very welcome to sit in on our rehearsals, and admission for the Sunday and Monday concerts is by donation.

WILL I HAVE TIME TO SIGHT-SEE?

Yes. We'll be singing for a maximum of 3-4 hours per day, so there will be plenty of opportunity to explore Coutances and the wider region. Friday's rehearsal, Sunday morning Mass and Monday's concert are all optional - please feel free to sing or not on those occasions.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Refunds will only be offered in the unlikely event that the organisers need to cancel the event. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your place to another singer, but monetary refunds are not possible. It is recommended that you take out travel insurance once you have booked.

GETTING TO COUTANCES

Coutances is an hour's drive from the ferry terminal in Cherbourg, with regular crossings from Portsmouth. It is also withing easy reach (1h30 - 2h30) of the ferry ports at St-Malo (crossing from Poole), Caen-Ouistreham and Le Havre. Caais is a 4h30 drive.
Coutances is served by rail from Rennes, Cherbourg (via Lison or Bayeux), and Caen. The nearest airport is Rennes (90 mins drive).
MUSICIANS
Matthew Coleridge

Matthew Coleridge is one of the most exciting new voices in UK choral music. His music is widely performed around the world, with recent highlights including concert performances at Uppsala Cathedral (Sweden), Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), Wells Cathedral (England), St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh (Scotland) and Bergen Cathedral (Norway).

He is in increasing demand as a guest-conductor of his own music, helping to bring the absolute best out of singers with his relaxed and good-humoured approach to music making.

In 2027 he will make his US conducting debut at Carnegie Hall, New York.

Frances Hook

Frances Hook directs the chamber choir Lux Aeterna, who will be singing with us for the weekend.

A lyrical artist trained by the demanding English school, Francis studied at the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. She sang for the BBC Singers and London Sinfonnieta Chorus, before moving to Normandy in 1991. Frances directs several choirs in La Manche, as well as performing as a soloist for concerts and weddings.

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

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Requiem weekend at Coutances Cathedral