Messiaen La Nativité du Seigneur (1935)

‘Winter’s Rose’
A programme of modern and folk-inspired settings of ancient carols, accompanied by Rob Harbron on concertina.

April Frederick soprano
Angelina Dorlin-Barlow contralto
Benedict Munden tenor
Ross Fettes bass
Jonathan Hope organ
Gloucester Choral Society
Musical and Amicable Society
Adrian Partington conductor

Gloucester Choral Society
Martin Rogers Brass Ensemble
Jonathan Hope organ
Adrian Partington conductor

Gloucester Choral Society presents Messe en l’honeur du Saint-Sacrement (Mass in honour of the Blessed Sacrament) composed in 1945 by the Belgian Joseph Jungen in memory of his brother, Alphonse. He provides a most attractive setting of the Latin Mass ordinary scored for chorus, brass band and organ, all led by our acclaimed choral and orchestral director, Adrian Partington.

During the World War II occupation Jungen’s brother, who was a canon at Liège Cathedral, died suddenly. Further trauma followed as his son, Jacques was arrested and detained by the Gestapo. It was only upon his release in March 1945 that Jongen felt able to begin to write the mass in dedication to Alphonse. It is full of gloriously diverse textures, at times reflective then reaching thrilling crescendos with brass and voice in full flow. It is not often performed but it is marvellous! Come, see and hear for yourself.

The association of the piece with the end of World War II oppression makes it a most apposite selection for a remembrance weekend.

This varied programme is completed with sets of motets by composers from different eras. Three very popular motets by Austrian composer, Josef Anton Bruckner (1824-1896), Ave Maria, Locus Iste and Ecce Sacerdos Magnus are presented alongside three beautiful motets by Italian composer Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612), Jubilate Deo, O Domine Jesu Christe and Exultet Iam Angelica .

It promises to be a most thrilling and enjoyable listening experience and an opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

Jonathan improvises a live organ soundtrack to Lon Chaney’s 1925 silent movie, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.

Programme to include works by J. S. Bach, Mendelssohn and Elgar.

Jonathan improvises a live soundtrack to the classic 1922 silent horror movie, ‘Nosferatu’. Part of Gloucester Cathedral’s A Season of Silent Film.

Jonathan improvises a live soundtrack to Lon Chaney’s 1923 silent movie, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Part of Gloucester Cathedral’s A Season of Silent Film.

Jonathan improvises a live soundtrack to Walt Disney’s timeless 1941 movie, ‘Fantasia’. Part of Gloucester Cathedral’s A Season of Silent Film.

Vaughan Williams Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus
Holst The Hymn of Jesus, op. 37
Messiaen O sacrum convivium
Poulenc Gloria

Gweneth Ann Rand soprano
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
South Cotswold Big Sing Group
Gloucester Cathedral Choristers
Jonathan Hope organ
Adrian Partington conductor

As part of the Southern Cathedrals Festival 2024, Jonathan returns to Winchester Cathedral to improvise to the 1925 silent movie, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, starring Lon Chaney.

The Oriel Singers
Jonathan Hope organ
Ben Sawyer director

Jonathan performs a lunchtime recital on the Father Willis organ of Hereford Cathedral.

Hailed as "a modern choral classic" by Classic FM, Matthew Coleridge's Requiem is a wonderful piece to sing, and where better to sing it than here, as part of a 200-strong choir.

This event will be in aid of Gloucester Cathedral's In Tune organ restoration project, with singers and audience encouraged to donate to help secure the future of the cathedral's historic organ.

Directed by Matthew Coleridge, with Jonathan Hope (organ), Maxim Calver (cello) and Amy Carson (soprano)

Jonathan improvises a live soundtrack to Lon Chaney’s 1925 silent movie, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Part of Christchurch Priory’s festival to mark the 25th anniversary of the Nicholson organ.

Jonathan improvises a live soundtrack to Lon Chaney’s 1925 silent movie, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. Part of Gloucester Cathedral’s A Season of Silent Film.

Music following the legendary story of ‘The Bisley Boy’

Saint Cecilia Singers
Jonathan Hope conductor

Mendelssohn Elijah

Gloucester Choral Society
Jonathan Hope organ
Adrian Partington conductor

Bernstein Chichester Psalms
Allegri Miserere mei
Neil Cox Requiem Canticles (world premiere)

Saint Cecilia Singers
Jonathan Hope conductor

J. S. Bach St Matthew Passion

Gloucester Choral Society
Musical and Amicable Society
Jonathan Hope organ continuo
Michael Bell Evangelist
Adrian Partington conductor

Christmas favourites for all. Admission free, retiring collection for charity

Gloucester Choral Society
Jonathan Hope organ
Adrian Partington conductor

Messiaen La Nativité du Seigneur (1935)

Centred around the stunning Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël by Poulenc, the concert features music by Byrd and Praetorius as well as Cecilia McDowall, Francis Pott, Gabriel Jackson and works by two of the choir’s own members: Charlotte Baskerville and William Armiger. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere and sing along with the audience carols in a treasure trove of seasonal gems.

Britten A Ceremony of Carols
Bob Chilcott Christmas Oratorio
plus Advent motets

Gloucester Choral Society
Jonathan Hope organ
Adrian Partington conductor

programme to be confirmed

Phantom of the Opera (1925)

Dora Pejačević Overture
Grace Williams Violin Concerto
Holst The Planets

Geneva Lewis violin
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jaime Martín conductor

Jonathan will be playing the organ part in Holst’s The Planets