Edward Elgar’s masterpiece in the setting of Chester Cathedral
Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is a very special work indeed. It has no equal in the choral repertoire, is beloved of singers across the world, and has a strong claim to be the greatest of all English choral works. Unique in form, vast in scale and overwhelming in emotional impact, it is a work that leaves a lasting impression on all who perform it. Chester Choral Week will present The Dream of Gerontius in 2026 in the magnificent surroundings of Chester Cathedral. This is not an undertaking taken lightly. The work requires a large SATB chorus, semi-chorus, organ, a very large orchestra and three soloists. The chorus is challenged with a wide range of musical and dramatic characterisations, from angels to demons, making it both demanding and profoundly rewarding. For those willing to take up the challenge, Gerontius can be an unforgettable, even life-changing experience.
Our Chester Choral Week Experience 2025!
From the 10 – 16 August 2025 another triumphant Chester Choral Week took place.
Look at the fun we had!
A big thank you to you and your team for such an enjoyable week in Chester. It was definitely one of the best! There was a very happy atmosphere, the concerts were really enjoyable with the lovely harpist on Wednesday and brilliant soloists on Saturday. There were lots of familiar faces and new ones too, all very friendly. We had delicious meals and the sun shone. A perfect week!
– Margaret
" I'm writing to thank you, and your wonderful team, for a truly magical singing week! I can't express how much I enjoyed it. I hope you are aware of the magic you created. "
– Rosy
We had wonderful tutors...
Chester, as ever, is like a family gathering. Every year there are new faces amongst the familiar and it is my pleasure and privilege to encounter voices that are hoping for a little help and looking to improve across many levels.
Janet Shell, Singing Teacher, CCW Tutor
" CCW was fantastic. Fiona was wonderful with people and managed us all so skilfully with right balance of patience, kindness and a brilliant sense of humour. "
– Suzanne
I just wanted to send you and all your team a massive thank you for an absolutely fantastic week. With me being new to Chester Choral Week I was not sure what to expect, but it certainly exceeded my expectations both with the content and standard. See you next year!
Dates already in my diary
- Liz
There were rehearsals inside...
...and outside
...and a lot of music!
Your administration was brilliant from start to finish. You and your team have it down to a fine art, and the way you all met any problems, with good humour and smiles, serves as a model for us to follow. What a superb programme of music - I loved both concerts and especially enjoyed learning the Rachmaninov piece . . . although, on reflection, perhaps Mozart came out the winner. Of course he did.
- Lesley
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We did masterclasses and singing lessons
Thank you for the opportunity to sing in front of, and with the support of, my peers! The Masterclass was a great experience for me to learn how I can improve!
- Gita
The 1-2-1 singing lessons are an opportunity to work closely with singers and the masterclasses are a joyful celebration of singing across all genres with courageous participants and some very touching moments. The transformations are astonishing and we are so happy that we keep being asked back!
Janet Shell, Singing Teacher, CCW Tutor
We had fun and entertained each other!
I'm just writing to say how much we enjoyed our wonderful week in Chester and to thank you for your brilliant organising and unfailing patience and good humour. You are a one-off! It's given us a massive boost and I put it down to the learning and performing of music and to the company of so many great people.
Peter and Stella
I visited the surrounds of Chester, walked along the Roman Walls, took a riverboat cruise and learned about the history of Chester and took the canal path from the University into town. I really felt I got to know Chester before singing in its beautiful Cathedral – an all-round wonderful experience.
- Gita
We had wonderful performances and appreciative audiences!
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you & all your amazing team who worked so hard to make last week such a wonderful experience. I’m so very proud to have been part of such a combined group effort culminating in an amazing sound. Being given the opportunity to perform concert ready pieces , most of which I was singing for the first time and then bring part of the magnificent performance on Friday was truly overwhelming, such a privilege.
- Sarah
I really enjoyed the concerts in the church and the cathedral. It was incredulous to think that it was all learned in less than a week!
- Cathy
Choral Week 2026 –
The Dream of Gerontius
Edward Elgar’s masterpiece in the setting of Chester Cathedral
Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is a very special work indeed. It has no equal in the choral repertoire, is beloved of singers across the world, and has a strong claim to be the greatest of all English choral works. Unique in form, vast in scale and overwhelming in emotional impact, it is a work that leaves a lasting impression on all who perform it.
Chester Choral Week will present The Dream of Gerontius in 2026 in the magnificent surroundings of Chester Cathedral. This is not an undertaking taken lightly. The work requires a large SATB chorus, semi-chorus, organ, a very large orchestra and three soloists. The chorus is challenged with a wide range of musical and dramatic characterisations, from angels to demons, making it both demanding and profoundly rewarding.
For those willing to take up the challenge, Gerontius can be an unforgettable, even life-changing experience.
A personal journey with Gerontius
So it was for me. I was first introduced to The Dream of Gerontius at school when I was fortunate enough to be involved in a performance in 1984. It was an experience I would never forget, and a work I fell in love with. Subsequently, while studying at university in Manchester, I chose to devote my final-year dissertation to the creation of Gerontius, immersing myself in the work for an entire year. I spent many hours at the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Broadheath, Worcestershire, studying original manuscripts and discarded fragments, trying to understand Elgar’s thinking as he produced what many regard as his greatest work. Although often a habitual self-doubter, Elgar knew this work was something special. As he completed the final page of the score in August 1900, he wrote in the margin a quotation from John Ruskin:
“This is the best of me; for the rest, I ate, and drank, and slept, loved and hated, like another… but this I saw and knew; this, if anything of mine, is worth your memory.”
I hope you will join us for Choral Week 2026 to bring this extraordinary masterpiece to life.
- Marcus Pashley, Conductor
Reviews & Testimonials
" Thank you very much for the welcome and an unforgettable week of singing and friendship!
I loved every minute of my time at Chester Choral Week and the passion, fun and beautiful music remain as a wonderful memory! "
" CCW is value for money, friendly, fun and welcoming and you offer such a range of singing experiences "
" A huge big thank you to the whole team for all your hard work over the year and especially the choral week. This is a fantastic singing course and it is down to the amazing planning, organisation and enthusiasm of you all "
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