The Breath of Life

Come and Sing 'The Breath of Life'

Composer Matthew Coleridge (the youngest composer in Classic FM's Hall of Fame 2026) leads a glorious day of choral singing in Pershore Abbey - and you can be a part of it!

Whether you’re an experienced choral singer or simply love to sing, this is your chance to step inside the music and bring it to life under the composer’s own direction.

We'll end the day with a memorable concert performance of The Breath of Life, accompanied by the Abbey's stunning new organ, harp and percussion section.



Matthew Coleridge photo by Michael Lovering
Matthew Coleridge photo by Peter Millson

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.



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 available here 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 - 13:15

    morning rehearsal (with piano accompaniment)

  • 13:15 - 14:15

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

  • 14:15 - 16:45

    afternoon rehearsal (choir, organ, harp, percussion)

  • 19:00 - 20:00

    concert performance of The Breath of Life

Pershore Abbey photo © Holly Hayes
Pershore Abey photo © Embrace Historia
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

shrewsbury

Walton Voices & Leatherhead Choral
Saturday 19th September 2026

Come and Sing The Breath of Life, hosted by Walton Voices and Leatherhead Choral Society



shrewsbury

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



bradford

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paris

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