Look back at the
2023 Programme:
Thursday 20th July 2023
Ascension Jazzmass
Brecon Cathedral
This remarkable jazz mass was scored for soloist, 4-part choir, jazz ensemble, organ and 21 xylophones. The composition draws upon wide-ranging musical influences. Described when first performed as “A kaleidoscope of sound and colour.” (Jane Clark, Brighton writer and poet)
Acclaimed jazz pianist Huw Warren will be part of the musical ensemble.
Friday 21st July 2023
Eschoir and Aberhonddu & District Male Choir
The Watton Chapel
Following their Grand Concert performance in 2022, much loved Aberhonddu & District Male Choir made their return to the Festival. They were supported by Eschoir, fresh off their North American tour and performances at the Autumn Rugby Internationals.
AFTERGLOW: The Clarence
Saturday 22nd July 2023
The Sound of Being Human
The Hours at Brecon Cathedral
The Sound of Being Human: How Music Shapes our Lives is written by acclaimed Guardian journalist and author Jude Rogers. Jude discussed this, her latest book. 'The Sound of Being Human' explores why music plays such a deep-rooted role in our lives from before we are born to our last days.
Saturday 22nd July 2023
Children's Voices
St Mary's Church - change of venue
The Children's Voices were held in St Mary's Church this year.
Saturday 22nd July 2023
The Gents of St John's College, Cambridge
Christ College Chapel
We were thrilled to welcome The Gents of St John's College, Cambridge to Brecon. The close harmony group of the world famous St John's College Chapel Choir, ‘The Gents’ brought their dynamic show to the exquisite setting of Christ College Brecon. The event began with some words from the renowned Welsh composer Geraint Lewis. Geraint reflected on the rise of St John's in the choral music world under Welsh choir master George Guest, and how many other Welsh students have been shaped by their experience at John's.
Saturday 22nd July 2023
Singing Walking Tour of Brecon
From the garden of y Gaer
Members of different choirs sung in different venues about town beginning at Y Gaer with Cor y Boro and then Alive & Kicking's Community Choir and Aberhonddu & District Male Choir in St Mary's Church. Both Eschoir and The Gents of St Johns then sung at Wetherspoons before finishing in the cathedral close.
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Saturday 22nd July, 2023
Grand Concert with Treorchy Male Choir
Brecon Cathedral
The world-famous Treorchy Male Choir headlined our Saturday night.
As Rowan Williams has put it “The Treorchy Male Choir is, without doubt, one of the best known Welsh cultural institutions in the world... the voice of a nation.” Treorchy were joined by our Young Singer Award winner Erin Thomas. This was a sell out concert.
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Sunday 23rd July, 2023
Men Who Sing
Brecon Coliseum Cinema
A humorous and melancholic documentary film portrait of a male voice choir endeavouring to re-invigorate themselves.
Sunday 23rd July, 2023
Come & Sing Evensong
Brecon Cathedral
This event was a fabulous service, featuring music by John Sanders (Responses based on the ‘Dresden’ Amen) and C.V. Stanford (setting in B flat, and the Te Deum also in the same key). The choir were accompanied by The Gwent Wind Band and conducted by the Band’s director, James Davies, with assistance by Stephen Power on the cathedral’s magnificent organ.
Sunday 23rd July, 2023
Cymanfa Ganu
Plough United Reform Church
An evening of song and praise in the traditional celebration of congregational singing of Welsh and English hymns. With some solos from members of Cantorion Pont Senni.
The event raised just over £290 for Brecon Foodbank.
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"We had a wonderful evening at the Cathedral on Saturday. Congratulations to everyone involved, the choir especially and everyone involved in organising the event."
Festival Sponsor 2023
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR 2023
The Dewan Partnership
Foyles of Glasbury