The Sixteen | The Choral Pilgrimage 2025: Angel of Peace

A programme for inner peace, combining medieval sounds with the contemporary voices of Arvo Pärt, Will Todd and Anna Clyne.

In an age of resurgent conflict and frenetic demands on our attention, The Sixteen's 2025 Choral Pilgrimage: Angel of Peace offers a slice of tranquillity in many forms courtesy of luminous, purifying music traversing six centuries. From the enraptured songs of the medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen to the magical realm of a brand new work by the contemporary composer Anna Clyne, nine pieces of music from across the centuries speak of peace and acceptance and the ecstatic joy their reassurance can bring.

This year’s tour takes its title from words by Cardinal Newman, set to music by Will Todd – ‘Let me be an angel of peace’. Newman’s meditation on the challenge of existence suggests life’s deepest valleys only help its highest mountains feel more wonderful. Perhaps, when we see that joy co-exists with sadness, we’ve been visited by our own Angel of Peace.

Detail of the Angel, from The Virgin of the Rocks c.1508 (oil on panel), Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) ©Bridgeman Images

Programme

Hildegard of Bingen
Ave, generosa

Arvo Pärt
Tribute to Caesar

Will Todd
I shall be an angel of peace*

John Taverner
Gaude plurimum

Hildegard of Bingen
Ave, generosa

Arvo Pärt
Da pacem Domine

Anna Clyne
Orbits (New commission, world premiere)*

Arvo Pärt
Magnificat

John Taverner
O splendor gloriae

*with solo violin

Performers

The Sixteen
Harry Christophersconductor
Sarah Sextonviolin

FAQs

What facilities are at the Cathedral?
  • Toilet facilities are available in the Cathedral (including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).
  • Ramps throughout the Cathedral allow step-free access.
  • Food and drink is available for eat-in or takeaway from Cloisters Kitchen & Garden (open daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm).
How do I get to the Cathedral?
  • The Cathedral is in the heart of Chichester, close to the Market Cross, the centrepoint of the City’s main pedestrianised shopping streets. The Cathedral’s postcode is PO19 1RP.
  • By car, approach from the M27 (A27) and turn northwards at one of the bypass roundabouts following signs for the city centre. Visitors arriving by car should aim for one of the many public car parks around the City.
  • The Cathedral is less than a 10 minute walk from Chichester’s Train Station, and is opposite a bus stop.
Is the Cathedral accessible?
General Access

Level access into the Cathedral is available through the South West Door, which is marked 40 on the Cathedral Plan.

Within the Cathedral and the Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access. The Cathedral has three wheelchairs which may be used, free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis. 

Toilets

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury(including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).

Parking

There are a limited number of Accessible parking spaces situated on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street. These spaces can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a blue badge. 

For further information on Accessible parking in Chichester please click here.

Dogs

Only Guide, Therapy and Assistance Dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for events.

If you are planning a visit to the Cathedral and have any questions regarding access please contact us, 01243 782595 or info@chichestercathedral.org.uk

Can you help with my ticket?

Please note that Chichester Cathedral is not responsible for the Box Office for this event. For ticketing queries, please contact info@thesixteen.com or call 020 7936 3420 (10am – 6pm Mon – Fri)