On Saturday 1st July 2023 Chichester Cathedral will welcome the University of Chichester Sinfonia and Choir, the Choir of Chartres, Chichester’s twin city, plus international Ukrainian opera star Lilya Sholomey to perform a special concert in aid of the refugee crisis.
Proceeds raised from the concert will be donated to Sanctuary in Chichester, a local charity who support refugees and asylum seekers entering Chichester in great need.
Tony Toynton, Chair of Sanctuary, said: “The people we work with are seeking refuge from persecution based on race, religion or nationality, seeking safety from war and conflict or poverty. We are grateful to those involved in this concert for arranging an event to raise funds, and awareness, for our vital work”.
Interim Dean of Chichester, the Reverend Canon Simon Holland, said: “We are thrilled to be working with such great musical talents to host this concert and are proud to continue our commitment, and welcome, to those seeking sanctuary”.
All of the acts have worked closely with the conductor, Head of Orchestral Studies at the University of Chichester, Crispin Ward. This includes Ukranian-born Lilya Sholomey who will be performing “Four Last Songs” by Richard Strauss - one of the most loved pieces of romantic repertoire.
The Choir of Chartres will join the University Chamber Choir in Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms conducted by Philippe Fremont. They will also perform the Requiem by Faure conducted by John Hancorn. The Cathedral Choir, under Organist & Master of the Choristers Charles Harrison, will also perform a selection of choral works.
Booking
Tickets for this concert are now on sale, and can be purchased from the Chichester Box Office, online, by phone (01243 816525) or at the Novium Museum, Tower Street.
The Concert forms part of the Festival of Chichester, a month-long celebration of the arts running from mid-June to mid-July each year.
The event has been kindly supported by Chichester’s Harbour Hotel.