Southern Cathedrals Festival: Chichester 2026

You are warmly invited to the Southern Cathedrals Festival, which offers a vibrant programme of events, performances and services in Chichester Cathedral and other distinguished settings around the historic city centre.

We will celebrate the contribution of Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876), Organist of Winchester Cathedral, and a significant figure in the revitalisation of English cathedral music during the nineteenth century. The programme also acknowledges the 250th anniversary year of the declaration of American Independence with a performance of Aaron Copland’s great choral work In the beginning, and pieces by Charles Griffes and Earl Wild. A newly commissioned work by Christopher Hussey, with a text by Rowan Williams, will receive its premiere during the final concert, and earlier repertoire by Palestrina (Missa Papae Marcelli), Vivaldi (Gloria) and Purcell (movements from King Arthur) will be featured in liturgical and concert performances.

Solo and chamber performances take their place alongside the choral concerts:  soprano Natasha Page returns to sing in the beautiful surroundings of Pallant House Gallery; pianist Tim Rumsey gives a late-night recital in the Cathedral; Duo Dorado perform works by baroque masters; and distinguished German organist Markus Eichenlaub plays on the Cathedral’s Mander/Hill instrument. We will also hear Dr Alan Thurlow (Organist at Chichester 1980–2008) in conversation with retiring Lay Vicar David Riley, who has served with distinction for 35 years.

The Southern Cathedrals Festival is a joyful expression of the friendship between our three cathedrals. We look forward to welcoming our family of audience members, worshippers, patrons, sponsors and musicians, and to sharing the Festival with you.

Charles Harrison              Chichester Cathedral
David Halls                         Salisbury Cathedral
Andrew Lucas                    Winchester Cathedral