'Light and Song' - A Recital of English Song with James Gilchrist (tenor) and Ashok Gupta (piano)

Gloucester

Dates: Saturday 7th March 2026

Venue: Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral, GL1 2LX

Songs by Gustav and Imogen Holst, Benjamin Britten, John Dowland, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Madeleine Dring, Rebecca Clarke, Muriel Herbert and Dilys Elwyn-Edward, performed by tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Ashok Gupta. The recital take place in the Chapter House within Gloucester Cathedral. Tickets are available on request from chairman@holstsociety.org or available at the door - please do get in touch to secure your seat! Tickets are £20, or £10 for under 16s.

Hosted by The Holst Society, our recital, 'Light and Song', lives in the light and darkness of life through poetry and song. With music and words from four centuries, we have lovers seeking the shade of trees, gazers at the stars of heaven, summer evening sunset, dreams, imaginings and heaven.

 

 

There are some lesser-known gems and some familiar songs. A highlight is Britten's astonishing Canticle 1 'My beloved is Mine', which sets the metaphysical poet Francis Quarles as he meditates on divine love. Surrounding this masterpiece are works of Dowland, Vaughan Williams, Gustav and Imogen Holst, Rebecca Clarke, Madeleine Dring, Muriel Herbert, and a little gem by Dilys Elwyn-Edwards setting Yeats. The recital offers a glorious kaleidoscopic vision of English Song and we are delighted to welcome James Gilchrist and Ashok Gupta.

Later in the afternoon, Choral Evensong takes place in the Cathedral from 16:30 and features the young voices of St Benedict's Singers. The programme includes Gustav Holst's ‘The Day of the Lord’ in an arrangement for lower voices. All welcome.

TENOR JAMES GILCHRIST began his working life as a doctor, turning to a full-time music career in 1996. His musical interest was fired at a young age, singing first as a chorister in the choir of New College, Oxford, and later as a choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge. Gilchrist has recorded widely and extensive concert repertoire has seen him perform in major concert halls throughout the world with renowned conductors including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Roger Norrington, Bernard Labadie, Harry Christophers, Harry Bicket, Masaaki Suzuki and Richard Hickox.

PIANIST ASHOK GUPTA was prize winner at the 2016 Ferrier Awards, the 2017 Bonn Beethoven Competition and the 2018 Royal Overseas League Competition. He has enjoyed collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, performing at major music venues. Ashok has also assisted as conductor at internationally-renowned opera companies and worked with opera students.

 

THE HOLST SOCIETY
The aim of The Holst Society is to bring the works of composer Gustav Holst, (1874-1934), to a wider audience by promoting and sponsoring recordings and performances. Further information about activities and how to support by joining can be found at The Holst Society website: www.holstsociety.org

(James Gilchrist, photo ©Stephen Boffey)

 

TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE HERE

More details about 'Light and Song' - A Recital of English Song with James Gilchrist (tenor) and Ashok Gupta (piano) (External Link)

 

Gloucester Cathedral

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