Tucked just outside the city centre, Cambridge’s Ascension Parish Burial Ground is a quiet Victorian cemetery with a remarkable legacy. Among those laid to rest here are philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, members of Charles Darwin’s family, and composer Charles Wood. To mark Wood’s 2026 centenary, a major musical project across Armagh, Cambridge and London will celebrate his life and work.
A contemporary of Charles Stanford, Wood is remembered for his finely crafted and enduring church music, which continues to shape the choral tradition today. The choir directors involved in this project aim to perform a share of Wood’s complete repertoire throughout the year, including his less well-known service music.
Read the full article on the centenary project in our magazine (digital version) on page 42 here: Spring Edition of Cathedral Music Magazine
More details are available on the Resources page of the website of the Church Music Society, linked here.
Hear the complete Wood at the following locations:
*broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and available on BBC Sounds
Upcoming events
Sunday 21 June, Choral Vespers, 4pm
Westminster Cathedral
Nunc dimittis in A minor
Sunday 12 July (Centenary of Wood’s death), Choral Matins, 11am
Royal Hospital Chelsea (live-streamed)
Te Deum in C minor; Father all holy
*Wednesday 8 July, Choral Evensong, 3pm
Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge at Hampstead Parish Church, London
Evening Service in A flat
*Wednesday 29 July, Choral Evensong, 3pm
The Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester Cathedral
’Tis the day of resurrection
*Wednesday 9 September, Choral Evensong, 3pm
The Charles Wood Festival and Summer School, Armagh
O Lord, rebuke me not; Phillip Moore, The Soul’s Desire
Wednesday 18 November, Help Musicians St Cecilia Festival, 11am
Westminster Cathedral: the combined choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral
Haec dies
