Edinburgh - 'The Breath of Life' choral singing weekend

EDINBURGH - "The Breath of Life" choral weekend
with Matthew Coleridge and Fraser David Macdonald

An unmissable choral experience! Perform in the Scottish premiere of Matthew Coleridge's vibrant new cantata, The Breath of Life, in the historic St Giles' Cathedral on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. 

On Saturday (10:30-5:30), we'll spend the day rehearsing at the stunning Sacred Heart Church, near the Grassmarket in Edinburgh's Old Town. We'll be joined by Sacred Heart's choral scholars, and as well as The Breath of Life we'll rehearse a new piece by Fraser David Macdonald, The Òran Mór, with text by Stephanie Green, written for the occasion.

On Sunday afternoon (from 2pm) we'll rehearse in St Giles' Cathedral, before giving a formal concert performance at 6pm to an audience of 200. We'll be joined by string quintet and percussion, and the mighty Rieger organ.

You'll have plenty of time for exploring one of Europe's most beautiful cities, and we'll be based within easy reach of attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

The two days of singing will be co-directed by composer Matthew Coleridge, and composer-conductor Fraser David Macdonald (Director of Music, Chapter House Singers, St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral).

L-R: St Giles Cathedral • Edinburgh skyline • Sacred Heart Church (Saturday's rehearsal venue)

SCHEDULE

Saturday 24th April 2027 • 10am-5:30pm
Singer registration (10am), followed by rehearsals at Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston St, Edinburgh EH3 9DH (10:30-13:00 and 14:30-17:30)

One of Edinburgh's most beautiful churches, Sacred Heart is a perfect rehearsal venue - warm, comfortable, centrally located, and with a glorious acoustic!

Sunday 25th April 2027 • 2pm-7pm
St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE 

One of the UK's most famous and historic churches, St Giles sits at the heart of the Royal Mile. Following an afternoon rehearsal we'll perform a formal concert as part of the famous "St Giles at Six" concert series. 

FAQs

WHAT WILL WE BE SINGING?

Repertoire will include Matthew Coleridge's The Breath of Life (in its entirety), and the world premiere of a brand new work by Fraser David Macdonald, commissioned for the occasion. We'll be joined by St Giles' organist, a student chamber orchestra, and the choral scholars of Sacred Heart Church.

CAN ANYONE COME AND SING?

This event is for experienced choral singers. You don't need to be a strong sight-reader, but will be expected to familiarise yourself with the music beforehand. Home rehearsals tracks can be provided. With limited rehearsal time, we plan to spend our rehearsals polishing, not note-bashing!

HOW MANY SINGERS WILL THERE BE?

We expect around 70 singers, from all over the UK - and a few locals too! 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 on Saturday, and admission for the Sunday concert is by donation.

WILL I HAVE TIME TO SIGHT-SEE?

Yes. You'll have Saturday evening at leisure (or in the pub with Matthew and Fraser), and on Sunday you don't need to be at St Giles until after lunch.

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 a travel insurance policy when you book.

MATTHEW COLERIDGE & Fraser David Macdonald

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.

Fraser David Macdonald is an emerging Scottish conductor and composer. He graduated from the Reid School of Music in 2023, and achieved a Masters in Composition with Distinction at the University of Edinburgh. Fraser is the director of music of the Chapter House Singers, based in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, and he is the assistant director of the Schola Cantorum at the Sacred Heart Church, Edinburgh. His compositions explore history and storytelling, and are set for choir and instrumental ensembles. Fraser's setting of 'Lully Lullah Lullay' is dedicated with gracious permission to King Harald V of Norway, and most recently his arrangement of 'Wild Mountain Thyme' was performed in the Kirking of the Scottish Parliament in St Giles' Cathedral in May this year.