Three Choirs Festival in Ten Concerts by Simon Carpenter

The Three Choirs Festival is the world’s oldest classical music festival, originating in the early eighteenth century and alternating each year between the cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester.

In that time there have been countless concerts, the main events at every Festival. This book offers an illustrated history of the festival through ten landmark concerts – from the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in 1757, through appearances of major figures including Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Howells, Holst, Finzi, Parry and pioneering composers Alice Mary Smith and Rosalind Ellicott, to the first concert to be applauded by the audience in 1969. The context and significance of each concert is examined in detail, offering fascinating insights into this historic and much-loved institution.

Includes 65 colour and black and white illustrations.

Simon Carpenter is the author of a history of Guildford Cathedral Choir published by the Guildford Cathedral Choir Association. He is the volunteer archivist and historian of the Three Choirs Festival, and is a Gloucester Cathedral guide.