A New Song? New Music and discussions with World-Leading Composers

A New Song?

Wednesday 13 May, 12–7pm 

What is the future of music in the Church in a fast-changing world? What drives someone to compose and where do they start?  How do new works connect with us, the listener, and support worship?  Do musical excellence and the Church’s 1,000-year musical heritage still matter? 

As part of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music (running 8th–17th May), we are delighted to introduce this event at Holy Sepulchre in London, with a roundtable discussion featuring world-leading composers Sir John Rutter, Dame Judith Weir, Gabriel Jackson, and St Paul’s Cathedral Director of Music Andrew Carwood MBE.

Join us on Wednesday 13 May as we join forces with the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music for a landmark afternoon of new music, reflection and discussion at the beautiful Wren church of Holy Sepulchre, the ‘National Musicians’ Church’. 

Together with a host of renowned musicians and thinkers, we’ll celebrate and explore the great British choral tradition, a jewel in the crown of our civilisation, a tradition that has given us music of unparalleled beauty and touched so many across the centuries.

A New Song? will unveil brand-new choral works whilst asking searching questions about the future of church music and its place within a changing church and cultural landscape. Our expert panel will discuss and seek solutions to the greatest challenges facing this tradition: the collapse of hundreds of parish church choirs and the near-disbandment of many cathedral choirs. We will also explore new challenges, opportunities for composers, musicians, and all who value our musical heritage and wish to safeguard and revitalise it for future generations.

The afternoon includes:

• • Concert of new works from the LFCCM’s flagship Call for Scores programme – (LFCCM Festival Choir)
  • Tour of the beautiful 1666 Wren church and its Musicians’ Chapel
  • Roundtable conversation with a panel of composers and other specialists including: Sir John Rutter, Dame Judith Weir, Gabriel Jackson, Andrew Carwood MBE 
  • Open rehearsal (Evensong)
  • Evensong with contemporary repertoire (Choir of Holy Sepulchre)
  • World premieres from the LFCCM’s Call for Scores scheme
  • Professional choirs – two top-flight professional choirs
  • Tea/coffee on arrival and between events
  • Drinks reception

Whether you are a parishioner, music-lover, composer, musician, member of clergy, educator, student – or simply someone who values the richness of our sacred musical heritage – this day offers a rare opportunity for thoughtful engagement and shared reflection, and new music.

We warmly invite you to join us on 13 May at Holy Sepulchre and add your voice to the future of music in the life of the Church.

Ticket Information

• £45 General
• £15 Concert Only
• £35 Student Day
• £12 Student Concert Only