Listen! The birds

The choir’s summer concert takes inspiration from the vibrant world of birdsong, weaving together a rich and varied programme that celebrates nature in all its colour, character, and charm. From the lively chatter of Clément Janequin’s Le Chant des Oiseaux to the delicate, shimmering textures of Ravel’s Trois beaux oiseaux and Nicolette, the first half unfolds as a vivid aviary of sound.

Moments of lyric beauty and reflection follow in works by Gibbons, Hindemith, and Stanford, alongside Elgar’s evocative Owls, before the music gives way to the gentle grace of swans and the stillness of twilight.

After the interval, the programme turns to birds in flight and song, with Chilcott’s She’s like the swallow, Vaughan Williams’ The turtle dove, and Mendelssohn’s beloved O for the wings of a dove. The concert culminates in Mozart’s joyful “Sparrow” Mass, a work of brilliance and vitality, brought to life by the full choir.

Join us for an evening of music that soars, sings, and sparkles—capturing the spirit of summer in full flight.