Herefordshire News, Herefordshire Sport, Leisure and local information From The Hereford Times

Four hundred voices `sing their hearts out'

From the archive, first published Thursday 2nd Oct 2003.

Hereford Cathedral was packed from the back of the nave and into the transepts last Saturday as singers from choirs throughout the Diocese gathered for the annual festival organised by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).

"There's no other sound like it," said Cathedral Organist Geraint Bowen, who conducted on the day.

A congregation of 200 joined the choirs for the performance which incorporated a mixture of music including Brewer and Elgar as well as some less traditional pieces.

Assistant Organist Peter Dyke, and Chairman of the RSCM committee, had the pleasure of hearing one of his own works - a set of responses - performed.

"Although we get the cathedral full on many occasions, it's not usually so full of singers," he said.

"Especially four hundred singers who really want to sing their hearts out!"

In one of the biggest festivals of its kind that Hereford has staged, 18 Dean's and Bishop's Award for musical achievement were awarded to choristers, and 12 to organists.

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