Gregorian Chant at Portsmouth Cathedral

More than 70 people gathered at St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, on Saturday 14 March for the final instalment of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course, a programme that has received widespread acclaim for introducing the ancient tradition of chant to participants of all ages and musical backgrounds.

Launched in January 2026, the course welcomed complete beginners alongside experienced musicians, attracting adults, students and children alike. Among the youngest participants was Anne, aged six, who spoke enthusiastically of her enjoyment of singing the chants - a reflection of the inclusive and accessible ethos of the programme.

The course was directed by Dominic Bevan, a professional musician and graduate of the Royal College of Music, whose extensive experience in sacred music guided participants throughout the programme. Instruction was further enriched by the contribution of two leading practitioners of chant.

Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB, of the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of Quarr on the Isle of Wight, led the first two parts of the course, while the final sessions were delivered by Reverend Father Matthew Jarvis OP, Dominican Prior of St Dominic's Priory, London, who introduced participants to the distinctive tradition of Dominican Chant - a historic variation of Gregorian Chant.

The aim of the course was threefold: to teach Gregorian Chant to singers at all levels, to share the chant's historical and spiritual context, and to develop interpretative skills so that participants might become confident practitioners capable of fostering chant within their own communities.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with responses including "Amazing," "Brilliant," "Excellent," and "A wonderful learning experience." Many expressed a strong desire for the course to be repeated in the future, praising both the quality of instruction and the lasting value of what they had learned.

The course concluded with a Mass at St John's Cathedral, during which the combined voices of 70 participants filled the cathedral with the sound of chant. At the conclusion of the event, participants were presented with certificates marking the successful completion of the course.

Neville McNally, course organiser, expressed his deep appreciation to Dominic Bevan, Abbot Xavier, and Father Matthew Jarvis for their generous commitment and for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with participants across a wide age range. He confirmed that a review of the course will now take place, with future initiatives under consideration.

For further information, visit: PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com
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