Music has played an integral role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral since its foundation by St Augustine in 597 AD. The Anglican Choral Tradition continues to flourish here, and is a daily source of inspiration to those who visit the Cathedral.
Canterbury Cathedral presents
Messiaen, Livre du Saint Sacrement (1984)
Organ Recital by Tom Bell, Concert Organist
Friday 17 July, 19:30-21:15
Renowned concert organist Tom Bell will play the Livre du Saint Sacrement, written in 1984 by Olivier Messiaen (1908 to 1992).
Over 100 minutes long, the Livre due Saint Sacrement is a vast cycle in eighteen pieces, collectively presenting a meditation on the Blessed Sacrement: the body and blood of Jesus, in the form of bread and wine at the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Tickets: £19 (+ £2 booking fee)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website (linked below) or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office: 01227 457568
Canterbury Youth Choir (CYC)
A brand new community choir for local children in school Years 3-6.
WHEN? Wednesdays, 4pm - 5.15pm
WHERE? Cathedral Community Studio, The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Why join?
- Sing every week, and develop your musical skills.
- Participate in special collaboration projects, with professional musicians, in exciting venues.
- Build confidence in your singing, and make new friends.
- Get a special concert t-shirt and folder (and weekly snacks!)
Plus, membership to the choir is FREE!
Music events
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MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
- 11 May
- 8 June
Plus more dates scheduled
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
NEW FOR 2026
FREE* Wednesday Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Performed by our Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, this new series will be centred solely around the music of J.S Bach and his influences.
- 20 May
All at 13:15 in the Quire. Un-ticketed.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
FREE Informal Organ Recitals
18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong
Friday 22 May
Eleni Keventsidou
A series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
Recital programme and organist biography available
FREE* Summer Recitals
with our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Dates in June, 13:15-14:00 in the Crypt
Wednesday 3 June - James McNinch (Tenor)
Wednesday 10 June - Lydia South (Mezzo)
Wednesday 17 June - Stephen Beale (Bass)
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Organ Open Evening
Friday 12 June, 18:30 in the Quire
Join us to learn all about the Cathedral organ!
This will include an introduction to the Cathedral’s organ (refurbished by Harrison & Harrison in 2020) and demonstration by Assistant Director of Music, Jamie Rogers, followed by a chance for keen organists to play - time allowing - a short piece of their choice.
This event is free to attend and un-ticketed.
To play the organ at the Open Evening, you must enquire in advance.
Canterbury Cathedral presents
Messiaen, Livre du Saint Sacrement (1984)
Organ Recital by Tom Bell, Concert Organist
Friday 17 July, 19:30-21:15
Renowned concert organist Tom Bell will play the Livre du Saint Sacrement, written in 1984 by Olivier Messiaen (1908 to 1992).
Over 100 minutes long, the Livre due Saint Sacrement is a vast cycle in eighteen pieces, collectively presenting a meditation on the Blessed Sacrement: the body and blood of Jesus, in the form of bread and wine at the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Tickets: £19 (+ £2 booking fee)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website (linked below) or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office: 01227 457568