The Breath of Life - Music for an English Summer

with special guest conductor and composer, Matthew Coleridge

Be part of a unique musical weekend - whether as listener or participant - culminating in a major concert at Halifax Minster

Saturday 4 July - Concert

The Breath of Life - Music for an English Summer

A richly varied programme for a summer evening, celebrating life, nature and renewal through the music of English composers.

The biblical text “The Spirit of the Lord” is explored in two contrasting settings by Edward Elgar and Oliver Tarney, heard side by side. We are also delighted to welcome Charles Murray, our former Choral Scholar and now Director of Choral Music at Halifax Minster, who will conduct the excellent Halifax Minster Choir in a vibrant children’s work by Bob Chilcott.

Anthony Gray, Charlotte Town

The programme also includes Morten Lauridsen’s radiant Sure on this Shining Night. Pianist Chris Pulleyn will take centre stage alongside strings in Gerald Finzi’s luminous Eclogue. Another highlight is the opportunity to hear a new soprano voice as Choral Scholar Charlotte Town performs the haunting and beautiful I Saw a New Heaven by Matthew Coleridge, accompanied by cello and organ pedals.

The concert will conclude with one of the first full performances of The Breath of Life, a new cantata by Matthew Coleridge. Conducted by the composer himself and featuring the Yorkshire Festival Orchestra, this performance will be further enriched by up to 50 additional singers joining after a workshop held the previous day, swelling the combined sound of Halifax Choral Society and Halifax Minster Choir.

Part of the Halifax Minster Summer Festival

Download the Concert Flyer


Matthew Coleridge

Friday 3 July - Choral Workshop (linked event)

Matthew Coleridge - The Breath of Life

As a prelude to Saturday’s concert, singers are invited to take part in a special workshop led by composer Matthew Coleridge.

The Breath of Life is a striking new choral piece by one of the UK's leading composers, Matthew Coleridge, whose Requiem is a regular favourite in Classic FM's Hall of Fame.  Elemental, powerful and deeply lyrical, the work combines rhythmic energy with moments of stillness and reflection.

Known for his engaging and accessible come-and-sing events across Europe, Matthew Coleridge will lead this special workshop as part of a nationwide series in 2026.

The workshop takes place on Friday evening, with participants returning on Saturday to rehearse alongside Halifax Choral Society, Halifax Minster Choir and the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, culminating in a full concert performance as a part of the Halifax Minster Summer Festival.

Download the Workshop Flyer