Symphony of Remembering | Orchestra of the Swan

Fundraising Concert in aid of Cathedral’s Diamond Jubilee Organ Appeal

One of the most iconic buildings in the world and a miracle of mid-twentieth century architecture and design, Coventry Cathedral is the perfect setting for a programme that is by turns contemplative and dramatic. From the eternally descending progressions of Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten to Dives and Lazarus, Vaughan Williams passionately reworks the English folk song.

The first half ends with Derek Nisbet’s Symphony of Remembering, created especially for this cathedral and featuring the testimony of people who have suffered more recent losses, including through the pandemic. Mahler’s transcendent Adagietto from his Fifth symphony is followed by the Gothic drama of Poulenc’s Concerto for organ, strings and timpani.

The Poulenc provides the perfect showcase for the magnificent Harrison & Harrison organ built in 1962 featuring a facade designed by the building’s architect Sir Basil Spence. All proceeds from the concert will go towards the cathedral’s Diamond Jubilee Organ appeal which seeks to raise 1 million to fund the restoration of the Cathedral’s iconic instrument.