Banbury Choral Society has received a special invitation to perform Evensong at Peterborough’s prestigious cathedral.

The choir will perform at the historic Norman cathedral at 5.30pm on Saturday, July 4.

Under the guidance of director Jonathan Kingston, the choir, accompanied by organist Charles Matthews, will perform a programme rooted in the rich Anglican choral tradition.

The performance will include renditions of Tallis Responses, Herbert Brewer’s Canticles in D Major and Brahms’ much-loved anthem How Lovely are Thy Dwellings Fair.

Banbury Choral Society previously performed Evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in July 2023.

placeholder image — Banbury Choral Society previously performed Evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in July 2023.

Mr Kingston said: “To be invited to sing at Peterborough Cathedral is a tremendous privilege for Banbury Choral Society and recognition of the commitment and musicality of our members.

“Choral Evensong is one of the great traditions of English cathedral music, combining reflection, spirituality and some of the finest sacred music ever written.

“We are especially pleased that audiences in Banbury will also be able to hear exactly the same programme at St Mary’s before we travel to Peterborough. It promises to be a beautiful and uplifting evening of music.”

For those unable to travel to Peterborough, the choir will perform the same programme at St Mary’s Church in Banbury on Sunday, June 28, at 6pm.

The invitation to perform in Peterborough follows the choir’s acclaimed appearance at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2023 and marks another high-profile engagement for the Banbury ensemble.

Founded in 1942, the Banbury Choral Society is one of Oxfordshire’s leading choirs, with around 90 members from Banbury and the surrounding area.

The society performs a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary choral music.