In a particularly spectacular programme, hear Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides overture, Beethoven’s Mass in C, Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, Mozart’s Requiem and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius
Musicians range from Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore and John Savournin to period instrument ensemble La Serenissima and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Soak up the history of Sudeley Castle and explore the heritage of Gloucester Quays, dating from the Roman era
"Richard Wigmore is a good speaker with a sense of humour and extensive knowledge"
- ACE customer on a previous 2025 tour led by Richard Wigmore
“...a stunning display of vocal virtuosity and choral splendour"
– Tour Director Richard Wigmore on Monteverdi’s Vespers
An Illustrious Heritage
Beginning in the early 18th century, the Three Choirs Festival holds claim to being the oldest classical music festival in the world. Founded on principles of brotherhood and friendship – together with an ambition to deepen appreciation of classical music – the festival evolved from informal musical meetings into a magnificent annual celebration of works both old and new. Now-established classical greats such as Elgar and Vaughan Williams premiered works here, while prolific living composers continue to do so today. At the heart of the music-making is the Three Choirs Festival Chorus, combining experienced singers from across the three counties. They are joined by world-class conductors, directors, soloists and orchestras to create a truly unique and internationally celebrated event.
2026 is set to be a particularly spectacular year for the festival. At the heart of our tour is Monteverdi’s monumental Vespers, expertly anchored by early music ensemble and Italian Baroque specialists La Serenissima alongside the Three Cathedral Choirs.
“Fascinating, poetically communicative, subtly virtuosic, thoroughly beautiful"
– Gramophone Magazine review of La Serenissima’s Crossing Borders album, 2025
Edward Elgar, of course, runs through the veins of this festival, and we are particularly delighted to be opening our tour with an evocative ‘seafaring’ programme featuring Sea Pictures sung by Roderick Williams (baritone), alongside Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture, Sumsion’s They that go down to the sea in ships, Wood’s Never weather-beaten sail and Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet. There could be no better work to end on than Elgar’s choral masterpiece, The Dream of Gerontius: among his most famous works – often described as his greatest – the piece’s vast scale, which calls upon multiple choruses and soloists alongside a large orchestra, allows for a sweeping, transportive drama that retains its spell right up until the emotional final bars.
The musical programme will be complemented by expert lectures given by our Tour Director, and an excursion to Sudeley Castle, notable for its royal heritage and beautiful gardens. We will also enjoy a historical tour of Gloucester Quays – a fascinating area whose history dates from the Roman era – to explore its continued significance as Britain’s most inland port, with free time to visit the excellent Waterways Museum.
We will stay at the four-star Hatherley Manor Hotel & Spa, set in nearly 40 acres of mature gardens and grounds on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Richard Wigmore
This tour will be led by Richard Wigmore, MA, AGSM, a lecturer, broadcaster and former professional singer. He contributes to Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine among other journals, and frequently appears on BBC Radio 3’s Record Review.
“Edward Elgar has long been the lynchpin of the Three Choirs Festival, as Handel was in earlier centuries. Framing our tour are two Elgar favourites: his Sea Pictures, part of a 'nautical' programme that includes Mendelssohn's atmospheric 'Hebrides' Overture, and The Dream of Gerontius, arguably Elgar's supreme achievement. Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers, a stunning display of vocal virtuosity and choral splendour, is another obvious highlight. Elsewhere, lovers of the Viennese classics will be able to savour Beethoven's beautiful Mass in C and a grandly scaled performance of Mozart's Requiem.”
– Tour Director Richard Wigmore
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£2495
GTHC-26
