Come and Sing with Matthew Coleridge
Saturday 25 April 2026 from 10.00 am in The Soothill Hall, Ashville College, Harrogate 
Join 100+ singers for a memorable day with Matthew Coleridge - one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary choral composers.
Whether you’re a seasoned 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.
 Why you should come
  • Sing directly with Matthew Coleridge, whose Requiem is a Classic FM favourite.
  • Enjoy a full day of expert-led rehearsal, insight and musical discovery.
  • Take part in a relaxed, informal and free performance for family and friends.
  • Connect with singers from across Yorkshire.
  • No advance preparation needed - simply come and sing.
What to expect 
Across the day, you’ll rehearse and explore:
  • Requiem (Kyrie, Agnus Dei)
  • The Breath of Life (Rejoice in God, O ye Tongues, Benedicite, For Thunder is the Voice of God, These Great Trees are Prayers)
  • A cappella pieces (In your Light I Learn how to Love, Where Shadow Chases Light)
 Led by Matthew Coleridge, with accompanist Anthony Gray, the day includes:
  • Guided workshop sessions
  • Sectional rehearsals
  • A Q&A with the composer
  • A friendly informal performance at 4.30pm
  • Refreshment and lunch breaks
The venue
Soothill Hall at Ashville College - a purpose-built modern performance space in Harrogate, providing a comfortable setting for singers.  Plenty of on-site parking is available.
Event details
  • Saturday 25 April 2026
  • Registration from 10.00am, ready to sing at 10.30am
  • Finish at 5.00pm
  • Performance at 4.30pm (friends and family welcome)
Tickets
£20 (students £5)
All music provided
Tea and coffee included

A French Choral Journey
Saturday 27 June 2026 at 3pm in St Wilfrid's Church, Harrogate 
Nadia Boulanger - Cantique
Lily Boulanger - Sous Bois
Duruflé - Quatre Motets, Requiem and Organ solo
Faure - Cantique de Jean Racine

Duruflé brought the church's unique language of plainsong into a compelling liaison with the secular harmonies of the modern French school and his Requiem is a prime example of his great musicality.  The Boulanger sisters had a strong impact on the history of 20th century music. Lili composed brilliantly but sadly died aged just 24. Nadia gave up composing early in her career and focussed on teaching and conducting, becoming a one woman finishing school for an amazing list of composers including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Michel Legrand and Quincy Jones to name but a few. Come and hear Harrogate Choral sing works by both sisters, and see whose work you like best!

We will be accompanied by Thomas Moore on Organ and conducted by the HCS Music Director David Lawrence.
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Other Planned Future Concert Dates

2026-27 season  (venues and times tbc)
Saturday 14th November 2026
Saturday 5th December 2026
Saturday 13th March 2027
Saturday 26th June 2027