Fretwork to perform at Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral Choir will be joined by world-renowned viol consort Fretwork for a very special concert on Saturday 24 February at 7.30 pm.

The choir of Hereford Cathedral stand in a circle in the Cloisters. They are wearing white and holding music scores in their arms. The choir consists of adults and children and they are all looking formally at the camera

Hereford Cathedral Choir c. Neil Proctor

Their programme features music by some of the great 16th and 17th century composers including Byrd, Gibbons and Tomkins, in the stunning acoustics of the cathedral nave. Hereford Cathedral Choir and Fretwork will perform both together and separately a beautiful selection of pieces which will showcase some of the glories of this golden age of music.

It was a wish of the late Tim Symons, a distinguished musicologist and a member of the cathedral’s music department for over 25 years, to hear Fretwork perform at the cathedral. Sadly, Tim died in September 2022 after a short illness before the concert could become a reality. With thanks to Tim’s family for their generous support, the concert will take place in February.

Tim stands smiling at the camera. He is wearing a red blazer and has his hand in one pocket

Tim Symons - photo provided by Rebecca Muldowney

Over nearly four decades, Fretwork has explored the core repertory of great English consort music from Taverner to Purcell, made classic recordings against which others are judged, and commissioned a new repertory of music for viols. They will perform alongside Hereford Cathedral Choir which, in addition to its central role of singing the daily services at the cathedral, has toured across the world. Recent highlights include a concert in the Sistine Chapel and singing for a Papal Mass in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, and taking part in the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day in Normandy as well as frequent broadcasts on national radio and television.

Geraint Bowen, Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral, said: “We are really looking forward to this special evening of music at the cathedral. It’s an honour for Hereford Cathedral Choir to be performing alongside Fretwork and this concert will be a wonderful way to remember our great friend and colleague Tim Symons, who gave so much to the cathedral and the wider musical community for so many years.”

Hereford Cathedral Choir and Fretwork in Concert takes place on Saturday 24 February at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £25 or £18, with £10 tickets for under 25s, and are available to purchase from Hereford Cathedral Shop (01432 374210) or via the cathedral website by clicking here.

Banner Image: Fretwork Viol Consort