Norwich Cathedral’s Organ Reborn! 2024 Festival began with a concert featuring three Cathedral Choirs – Norwich, Ely, and Peterborough. This special nine-day festival celebrates the completion of Norwich’s historic pipe organ’s £1.8 million rebuild project. The concert showcased the talents of over 120 singers from three of the country’s leading Cathedral Choirs, performing music by Handel, Mozart, Rutter, and more. The festival, led by Ashley Grote, the Cathedral’s Master of Music, promises a week filled with high-profile performances, including the BBC Singers and Britten Sinfonia.
The festival continues with two headline concerts from the BBC Singers and Britten Sinfonia. The BBC Singers will perform works by East Anglian composer Benjamin Britten and settings of texts by medieval mystic, Julian of Norwich. The festival finale concert will feature Britten Sinfonia collaborating with Norwich Cathedral Choir for a special performance of music by Fauré, Poulenc, and Duruflé. Tickets for both concerts are available for £15-£35 and can be booked on the cathedral’s website. The festival, which ends on Sunday, July 14, will also be broadcasted on BBC Radio Three.
To add to the family-friendly atmosphere of the festival, there will be a free Battle of the Organs concert on Saturday, July 13, at 11 am. Norwich Cathedral’s three organists will come together to perform musical favorites, including the theme from Thunderbirds. The festival promises a wide range of events and concerts for all to enjoy, with notable performances from prestigious musical ensembles. The festival aims to showcase the rich musical heritage of East Anglia and celebrate the restoration and return of Norwich Cathedral’s historic pipe organ.
Overall, Norwich Cathedral’s Organ Reborn! 2024 Festival has kicked off in grand style with a collaboration of three Cathedral Choirs, delighting audiences with a diverse range of musical performances. The festival, which celebrates the completion of the cathedral’s pipe organ rebuild project, promises a week filled with top-notch performances from renowned ensembles, BBC Radio Three broadcasts, and family-friendly events. With tickets available for headline concerts and various performances throughout the week, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of East Anglia’s musical heritage.
