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Saturday 5 December 2026 | 7:30 PM | Guildford Cathedral
Join us for a beautiful Christmas evening with the Guildford Cathedral Choir, filled with much-loved Christmas choral music and candlelight in the soaring space of our cathedral.
At the heart of the programme is Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, one of the most beloved pieces of 20th-century choral music. Written for treble voices and harp, this masterwork moves from moments of stillness and reflection to music full of energy and joy – the perfect soundtrack for Christmas.
The Guildford Cathedral Choir will perform this beautiful work accompanied by acclaimed harpist Suzy Willison-Kawalec, whose delicate and expressive playing brings Britten's composition to life.
The evening will also feature much-loved Christmas carols and readings, creating an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere in the candlelit cathedral.
There's something truly special about Christmas music in a cathedral. The vaulted ceilings, the candlelight, the voices of our choir – it creates an atmosphere you simply won't find anywhere else.
This is a new concert for Guildford Cathedral, offering a distinctive and memorable Christmas experience for everyone – whether you're looking for a special festive evening, beautiful music, or simply a moment of peace and reflection this Christmas.
Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976) was one of Britain's greatest composers. A Ceremony of Carols, written in 1942, remains one of his most frequently performed works and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century choral music.
The piece is structured around traditional carols, interspersed with liturgical texts. It moves between moments of intimate stillness and passages of joyful energy, making it the perfect musical expression of the Christmas season.
Our Cathedral Choir comprises boy and girl choristers and lay clerks, directed by Acting Director of Music Asher Oliver. The choir has been at the heart of the Cathedral's worship since 1961 and is renowned for its musical excellence.
Suzy is an accomplished harpist with extensive experience in chamber music and solo performance. Her delicate, expressive playing is the perfect complement to Britten's beautiful composition.
Date: Saturday 5 December 2026 Time: 7:30 PM Venue: Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7UP Duration: Two halves with an interval. Finishes approximately 10:00 PM
Tickets coming soon!
Tickets will be available from Monday 5 October 2026 at mid-day. Early booking is recommended as this new concert is expected to be popular.
A candlelit cathedral setting
Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols performed by the Cathedral Choir and harpist Suzy Willison-Kawalec
Much-loved Christmas carols
Readings that bring the season to life
An unforgettable Christmas atmosphere
The concert is suitable for all ages.
Guildford Cathedral is committed to welcoming all visitors. The cathedral is accessible by wheelchair, and accessible facilities are available.
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