NORMANDY Coutances Cathedral - Requiem mini-break

COUTANCES CATHEDRAL - Requiem mini-break
with Matthew Coleridge and Lux Aeterna

Sing Requiem in the glorious Coutances Cathedral in Normandy, in a choral weekend hosted by local chamber choir Lux Aeterna and directed by composer Matthew Coleridge (rehearsals will be in English!). 

We'll be performing a concert in the cathedral on Sunday 22nd August 2027 (early evening), and you will also have the option to sing at the cathedral's Sunday morning Mass, and in a second concert on Monday 23rd at nearby Abbaye de la Lucerne.

As well as Requiem, we'll be singing Karl Jenkins Benedictus from The Armed Man, Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, and Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow from The Breath of Life.

Singers will need to make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation. Full details to follow shortly.

SCHEDULE

Friday 20th August 2027 • evening
optional rehearsal in Coutances

Saturday 21st August 2027 • afternoon
Rehearsals in Coutances, venue TBC

Sunday 22nd August 2027 • 10:30am (TBC)
Sing Mass in Coutances Cathedral (optional participation)

Sunday 22nd August 2027 • afternoon/early evening
Requiem rehearsal followed by concert performances in Coutances Cathedral


Monday 23rd August 2027 • details TBC
Concert in Abbaye de la Lucerne (optional participation). 

FAQs

WHAT WILL WE BE SINGING?

Repertoire will include Matthew Coleridge's Requiem (in its entirety), plus selected movements of his other works including The Breath of Life, plus music by Karl Jenkins (Benedictus from The Armed Man) and Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine. 

We'll be accompanied by the cathedral's spectacular Grande Orgue, and professional cello and soprano soloists.

CAN ANYONE COME AND SING?

We hope this event will appeal to experienced choral singers and to enthusiastic less-experienced singers! You don't need to be a strong sight-reader; home rehearsals tracks can be provided. There's a lot of music to learn, so it would be a good idea to familiarise yourself in advance!

HOW MANY SINGERS WILL THERE BE?

We expect over 100 singers - mixture of Brits, French and others! 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, and they will be most welcome to attend both concerts. 

WILL I HAVE TIME TO SIGHT-SEE?

Yes. With a maxmium of 4-5 hours singing per day, you'll have plenty of time to explore! 

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

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.