Matthew Coleridge

Requiem in a Day

FREE EVENT! Come and sing one of the UK's favourite new choral works in Tewkesbury Abbey!

Join composer Matthew Coleridge for an inspiring and uplifting day of choral singing in one of our finest churches. You’ll learn his “sublime” choral work Requiem, before singing in an exhilarating evening performance, conducted by the composer.

This event is FREE for singers to attend.

Book now

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

Photo by Matthew Hartley

As uplifting and glorious as anything I've ever sung Elizabeth, Selby Abbey workshop April 2023

Just overwhelming, and blew my heart right open Nicola, Arundel Cathedral workshop February 2023

He creates joy and sublime moments. Book now before word gets out! Come And Sing Somewhere review, Exeter 2021

Details and timings

Timings on the day

09:30 - 10:30

singer registration - at Watson Hall, Barton St, Tewkesbury
10:30 - 13:30

morning rehearsal - part learning and note-bashing - at Watson Hall
13:30 - 14:30

lunch break (bring a packed lunch)
14:30 - 17:30

afternoon rehearsal - with organ accompaniment and soloists - Tewkesbury Abbey
19:00 - 20:00

concert performance - dress code for singers: all black

Tewkesbury Abbey, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ

Renowned the world over for its fine Norman tower, ornate 12th Century ceiling and stunning stained glass windows, Tewkesbury Abbey lies at the heart of this vibrant, historic riverside town.

There is level access to the Abbey via the main gates and the North Path. Nearly all parts of the abbey are accessible by ramp, and there is a disabled toilet in the visitor centre next door.

All day car parking (£4.00) is available at several car parks within a five-minute walk.

Reaches into the soul and lifts it skyward - BBC Music Magazine

Musicians

One of the UK's most exciting compositional voices, Matthew's music leapt into the spotlight in 2023, when his Requiem was voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame's top 100 - making him the second youngest composer on the list, and 10th highest living composer overall.

His beautifully melodic and deeply moving choral music is performed around the world, and is regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Matthew has written music for acclaimed ensembles including Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, The Queen's Six, Papagena, and the Choirs of Christchurch Priory.

An engaging and charismatic conductor, Matthew is in increasing demand as a choral workshop leader, with regular events around the UK.

Carleton Etherington

Carleton Etherington is Organist and Director of Music at Tewkesbury Abbey, where his duties include directing the Abbey Choir and accompanying Schola Cantorum. Educated at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester and London’s Royal Academy of Music – studying with Peter Hurford and David Sanger – Carleton held posts at St Bride’s, Fleet Street and Leeds Parish Church before moving to Gloucestershire. A graduate of London University and a holder of the Academy’s Recital Diploma he was subsequently awarded Associateship of the Academy. He was recently bestowed with an Honorary Fellowship from the Guild of Church Musicians.

First prize winner in two prestigious organ playing competitions – Paisley (1992) and the RCO Performer of the Year (1993) – Carleton has performed throughout the UK and in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Australia and the USA. His various CD recordings, both as soloist and accompanist, have received widespread critical acclaim.

Carleton is Conductor of Pershore and Cirencester choral societies and Organ Tutor at Dean Close School, Cheltenham. He is also the Director of Musica Deo Sacra, a festival celebrating music in the liturgy, which takes place at Tewkesbury each summer.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to be able to read music?

A. This event is suitable to all choral singers with a basic grasp of music reading. If you can't read music, it would be very wise to learn your part beforehand (see below for details of rehearsal tracks). If you've not sung in a choir before that's ok! Come along and see what you've been missing.

Q. Where can I listen to Requiem?

A. You can find a full recording on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music. A physical CD can be found here.

Q. Are rehearsal tracks available?

A. Yes. Head over to koor.app - you'll need to register for a free account, then you can listen to the individual voice parts, recorded by professional singers.

Q. Can friends and family come and hear us perform?

A. Yes - please do encourage people to come and hear our evening performance! Audience tickets are available through the links above.

Q. Is there a dress code?

A. For the evening concert performance, please dress all in black. There are changing facilities available at the venue.

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. Music will be provided for you on the day. It would be helpful to bring a pencil and a packed lunch (or there are plenty of places nearby to buy something during the lunch break). You'll also need a change of clothes(all black) for the evening performance.

Q. Will refreshments be provided?

A. No, but there are several shops, cafés, bars and restaurant within a stone's throw..

Q. Is parking available near Tewkesbury Abbey?

A. There are several car parks within a five-minute walk of the Abbey (£4.00 all day). See Parkopedia for more details.

Q. Will music scores be provided?

A. You can borrow a vocal score on the day. If you'd like to buy one in advance (please do!), you can add it when you book your ticket.

Q. Can I buy a vocal score? And will Matthew sign it?!

A. You can buy a vocal score in advance, which is a great way to learn your part ahead of the day. It'll be posted to you when you make your booking. Matthew's always happy to sign scores during rehearsal breaks.

Q. Do I need to book? Can I just turn up on the day?

A. We can't guarantee you a place if you don't book in advance - venues are limited in space, and we may not have enough music. It's free to book so what are you waiting for?!

Q. Will there be lots of singers? I don't want to find I'm singing a part on my own!

A. Numbers vary between events, but we're expecting 150 singers for this Requiem in a Day event. There are always a handful of strong singers to lead each section!

Choral workshops

Requiem in a Day workshops

Come and sing Matthew Coleridge's Requiem in some of the country's most inspiring cathedrals, abbeys and churches. All events are directed by the composer.

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