Cathedral Music Conference 2026
When: 17-18 September 2026
Where: Drapers' Hall, Coventry
The Impact of Cathedral Music on Educational Outcomes
Bringing together researchers, practitioners, educators, musicians and policymakers, the conference will examine themes around cathedral music’s contribution to educational outcomes in their broadest sense, at all stages of life. Beyond demonstrating impact, the event will provide space for critical dialogue, questioning assumptions, sharing evidence, and imagining sustainable futures for cathedral music as both educational practice and living heritage. This conference offers a unique opportunity to gather those who shape, study and sustain cathedral music to consider its future together.
The event opens at 11am on Thursday with arrivals and refreshments, followed by an afternoon of inspiring presentations and discussion. In the early evening, attendees will experience a beautiful service of Evensong sung by the joint choirs of Coventry Cathedral and Holy Trinity Church, before enjoying a three-course dinner. The day concludes with an address from acclaimed choral conductor and music educator, Suzi Digby. Friday begins at 9am with a further programme of talks and conversations, closing around 2.30pm. A full programme will be released soon.
Subsidised tickets are available for employees of cathedrals and other places of worship that offer at least two choral services most weeks during term time, and students in higher education.
Keynote Speakers
Simon Toyne
David Ross Education Trust
A renowned music educator and choral conductor, Simon trained as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral and was Organ Scholar at University College, Oxford and since 2015, as Executive Director of Music at the David Ross Education Trust, he has developed a programme for 14,500+ children in 34 schools. He serves on national music panels, founded the Music Teachers Association, and directs the Northampton Bach Choir.
Dr Rebecca Berkley
University of Reading
Rebecca Berkley is an Associate Professor in Music Education at the University of Reading, and Director of Internationalisation and Global Engagement for the Institute of Education. Her research focuses on music teacher education, classroom musicianship, choral education, and leadership.
Andrew Carwood MBE
St Paul’s Cathedral
Andrew Carwood MBE is the first non-organist to lead the music at St Paul’s since the 12th century. He has gained a reputation as one of the most versatile musicians of his generation, having had an illustrious career as a singer before focussing attention on conducting and choral direction.
William Bruce
St Paul’s Cathedral
William Bruce leads St Paul’s Cathedral’s acclaimed music partnership programme, which engages diverse new audiences with the Cathedral’s world-renowned music foundation. This programme shares sacred music with thousands of children in schools and communities across London, through weekly, whole-class singing sessions and after-school partner choirs, bringing them to sing for Liturgies and events at the Cathedral.
James McEvoy-Stevenson
United Learning
James McEvoy-Stevenson is a Music Adviser at United Learning, prior to which he began his career with Teach First at the Totteridge Academy, where he was Head of Music, and subsequently led a large Creative Arts Faculty in North London. He studied music at the University of Oxford, where he was both a choral and academic scholar, and his formative experiences as a chorister growing up in Liverpool underpin his drive to harness the potential of music to change life chances of young people, as it did for him.
Suzi Digby OBE
Internationally renowned choral conductor and music educator Suzi Digby has pioneered the revival of singing in UK schools and communities, founding many organisations including the Voices Foundation and the ORA singers. Awarded an OBE in recognition of outstanding services to music education, she is a passionate advocate for the benefits of a musical education and choral singing.
Conference Information
Catering – What’s included?
THURSDAY
- Tea/Coffee on arrival
- Lunch
- Mid-afternoon Tea/Coffee
- Drinks Reception
- Dinner
DINNER MENU
- Tomato soup with a green basil oil and crusty bread
- Chicken Supreme with gratin potato, seasonal vegetables and a red wine jus, OR Gnocchi with spinach, pesto and sundried tomatoes (vegetarian)
- Cheesecake with berry compote, with Chantilly cream (Vegan/dairy free: Brownie)
FRIDAY
- Mid-morning Tea/Coffee
- Lunch
Accommodation
Please note that tickets do not include accommodation, which must be booked separately.
We have partnered with the Telegraph Hotel, which is a convenient 10-minute walk from Drapers’ Hall, to offer a 15% discount to delegates wishing to stay there on 17th September. Click on the button below to book a room (the discount will be automatically applied). You can also book directly through their website using the discount code SUMMER15.
Alternatively, there are several other hotels within walking distance of Drapers’ Hall, including Premier Inn Coventry City Centre (Belgrade Plaza) and Ibis Coventry Centre, both within a 15-minute walk of the venue.
Travel and Parking
Drapers’ Hall is located in Coventry city centre, just a few minutes from the Cathedral and approximately a 20 minute walk from the train station. There are regular buses from the station into the city centre.
Please note that there is no dedicated parking at Drapers’ Hall. There are a number of car parks located in the city centre, a short walk from the venue, including the Salt Lane Multi-Storey car park and Whitefriars Street Car Park, both of which are open 24-hours a day and approximately 5 minutes walk from the venue.
