The Saint Cecilia Singers, Gloucester Cathedral’s chamber choir, are this month celebrating 70 years since their formation.

The Singers are set to celebrate their landmark with a special concert at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 2nd March.

Former members have been invited to return to sing Evensong with the choir, followed by a free concert in the Cathedral Nave.

The programme will be Duruflé’s Requiem accompanied by organist Christopher Allsop, alongside a selection of pieces performed at the Singers’ inaugural concerts on 17th February 1949 and 18th June 1950.

The concert marks the start of a year of celebrations which will include a performance and Evensong at the Three Choirs Festival in July, and a new commission by composer Neil Cox to be performed in the spring of 2020.

The Saint Cecilia Singers were formed in 1949 by the 19-year old Donald Hunt, then Assistant to the Director of Music, Herbert Sumsion, at Gloucester Cathedral.

Dr Hunt went on to become Director of Music at Worcester Cathedral where he distinguished himself as artistic director and conductor at the Three Choirs Festival eight times from 1975 to 1996.

Dr Hunt died last year at the age of 88 and last conducted the choir at its 60th anniversary concert in 2009.

In March 2014, Jonathan Hope took up the post of Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, where he is the principal organist for the cathedral services, accompanist to the Gloucester Choral Society, and Musical Director of the Saint Cecilia Singers.

He said: “Over the years the Saint Cecilia Singers has been a wonderful choral resource where Assistant Directors of Music at Gloucester can cut their teeth.

“I’m proud to be part of that tradition following in the footsteps of eminent musicians like Donald Hunt, John Sanders and Andrew Millington.”

Increasingly in demand as a recitalist, Jonathan has performed solo recitals in venues including Westminster Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Saint-Sulpice in Paris.

“I hope to meet as many former members as possible as we celebrate the choir’s role at the heart of musical life in Gloucester,” he continued.

“The concert in March will be our birthday present for supporters old and new.”

For tickets and more information visit www.saintceciliasingers.org.uk