Sat 26 Jul 2025, Wells Cathedral, Wells

Sir John Rutter will be 80 this year! There is surely no better time, therefore, to celebrate the music of this much-treasured English composer, once described by Sir David Willcocks as the most gifted composer of his generation, with a performance of his exultant Gloria. Rutters music, with its singable melodies and satisfying key-changes, invariably goes straight to the listeners hearts and, since its first performance in 1974, the Gloria has been enormously and justifiably popular due to its brass fireworks and jubilant choral writing. James Whitbourn, who sadly passed away relatively young last year, was known for his boundless breadth of choral imagination (The Observer) resulting in compositions of brilliance and power. His Son of God Mass is a gem; uniquely scored for choir, organ and soprano saxophone, it is a work that enables appreciation of the saxophone as a compelling, wordless soloist, often contemplative and mysterious, sometimes soaring and exuberant. The music is tellingly written throughout to suit the mood and meaning of the texts, and the final climactic Amen will leave no doubt as to the sincerity of this exceptionally moving music. Completing this powerful presentation of Great British music for brass, organ and choir, are James MacMillans wow-factor motet with fanfares Summae Trinitati andFinzis arresting God is gone up. Unaccompanied works by Paul Mealor and Cecilia McDowall will provide opportunities for more peaceful reflection. Bones Apart is a multi-award-winning all-female trombone quartet which, since its formation in 1999, has rapidly gained international recognition performing its unique and diverse repertoire to audiences worldwide. For this concert they have handpicked some of their very talented friends to add to their number and make up an exceptionally fine brass ensemble. Somerset Chamber Choir Bones Apart & Friends Rachael Parvin soprano saxophone Simon Hogan organ Andrea Brown conductor