More than 300 choral singers and musicians from 11 universities across England performed at a special festival in Liverpool.
The 2019 Cathedrals Group Choir Festival, which this year was hosted by Liverpool Hope University, took place on Saturday (March 2) at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.
Choirs from the University of Winchester, University of Chichester, Canterbury Christ Church University and Liverpool Hope among others took part in the festival, which was called ‘PsalmFest’.
With 2019 marking 175 years since the establishment of Liverpool Hope’s founding colleges, the festival was one of several celebratory events being held throughout the year.
Liverpool Hope’s David Walters directed the impressive array of choirs, and Wirral Symphony Orchestra superbly accompanied the singers along with organist Richard Lea.
The evening included performances of Charles Hubert Hasting Parry’s ‘I was glad’, John Rutter’s ‘Psalmfest’, and Edward Elgar’s ‘Sursum Cordia’ (Elevation).
Liverpool Hope's choir performed 'O Be Joyful' (Psalm 100) composed by Dr Noel Rawsthorne and directed by David Walters.
‘Seasons of Love’ from the popular musical ‘Rent’ was also performed, along with a rousing rendition of the late Dr Rawsthorne’s anthem ‘They that go down to the sea’ to conclude the event.
The Cathedrals Group is a network of 16 universities and university colleges in England and Wales with Church foundations, with 11 of those institutions' choirs taking part on Saturday.
The Festival was followed by supper in the University's Great Hall, as more than 270 choir members enjoyed refreshments and a live rock band.