What’s on
all the services and events happening at the Cathedral
BBF26 - JS BACH CANTATAS
Kristian Bezuidenhout directs Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque and soloists for this year’s opening concert of JS Bach Cantatas in the Cathedral.
JS Bach Cantata BWV 198 – Laß, Fürstin, laß noch einen Strahl
JS Bach Cantata BWV 6 – Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden
JS Bach Cantata BWV 66 – Erfreut euch ihr Herzen
Eleonore Cockerham - Soprano
Ciara Hendrick - Mezzo-soprano
Matthew Long - Tenor
Frederick Long - Bass-baritone
Duration: 80 mins plus interval.
Tickets: £10 - £35.
BBF26 - Gwen John Art & Life in London and Paris
Gwen John: Art & Life in London and Paris - A talk by Dr Alicia Foster, part of Brecon Baroque Festival 2026
Gwen John is one of Wales' best-known artists. Art historian, curator and author Dr Alicia Foster comes to the festival to talk about Gwen John's life and work. Her book, Gwen John: Art & Life in London and Paris, was nominated as The Sunday Times Art Book of the Year. It follows National Museum Cardiff's retrospective of her work this year, Strange Beauties.
Tickets £15
BBF26 - THE SALT ROAD A performance by ‘In Echo’ with readings by Horatio Clare
The Salt Road - In Echo, with readings by Horatio Clare
The Salt Road between Lüneburg and Lübeck is older than memory. It carried salt, the "white gold" the region's wealth depended on, and Bach walked it on his way to meet Buxtehude.
This concert follows journeys real and imagined, with music by Bach, Buxtehude, Schütz, Brade, Walther, Isaac and others. Between the pieces, Horatio Clare reads from Something of His Art, the book he wrote after walking Bach's whole route for BBC Radio 3. The programme also includes the world premiere of White Gold, a new work by Silas Wollston.
Performers:
Gawain Glenton, cornetto and director
Bojan Čičić, violin
Rachel Byrt, viola
Emily White, sackbut
Bill Hunt, violone
Silas Wollston, organ
One hour, no interval.
Tickets £22. Unreserved seating.
BBF26 - Festival Evensong
Join us for a special choral evensong with the Cathedral Choir plus a consort of viols from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, directed by Brecon Cathedral’s Director of Music, David Stevens. All are very welcome.
IAN BOSTRIDGE & FRETWORK CELEBRATE DOWLAND
John Dowland was the finest lutenist of his age and one of the great songwriters in the English language. He died 400 years ago, in 1626.
In 1604 he published Lachrimae, a collection for viols and lute built on his most famous song, Flow my teares. Its falling fourth is turned over and transformed in a journey from despair to hope, from minor to major, followed by a set of lively galliards, many drawn from his songs. His four books of songs were among the most popular publications of their day.
As Dowland wrote in his dedication to Queen Anne of Denmark: "neither are teares shed alwayes in sorrow, but sometime in joy and gladnesse."
Performers
Ian Bostridge, tenor
Kristiina Watt, lute
Fretwork: Emilia Benjamin, Jonathan Rees, Joanna Levine, Sam Stadlen and Richard Boothby
Duration: One hour with a short break.
Tickets: £28-£35
BBF26 - MINDFULNESS & MUSICIANSHIP - a talk by Ruth Phillips
Alongside her rich and diverse career as a concert cellist and teacher, Ruth internationally sought after as a performance coach, mentor and meditation teacher, helping people who suffer from tension, stage fright, lack of focus or self esteem to overcome the physical and mental strains of the music profession.
Ruth’s articles on stage fright, music, mindfulness and yoga have appeared in The Strad, BBC Music Magazine, Classical Music Magazine and the European String Teachers’ Association magazine, ARCO.
Duration:1 hour
Tickets: £15
THE MUSIC OF LUTHER VANDROSS - THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
XPERIENCE LIVE presents The Music of Luther Vandross - performed in the stunning candlelit setting of Brecon Cathedral
Enjoy an evening with the timeless music of Luther Vandross, as a gifted vocalist and an incredible live band bring his greatest hits to life in a stunning candlelit setting.
This tribute concert celebrates the velvet voice of one of R&B’s most beloved legends — known for his rich tones, emotional depth, and unforgettable love songs. From the upbeat joy of “Never Too Much” to the soul-stirring beauty of “Dance with My Father”, every moment will be filled with nostalgia, passion, and musical excellence.
Experience the magic of Vandross classics like:
🎶 “Here and Now”
🎶 “So Amazing”
🎶 “A House Is Not a Home”
🎶 “If Only for One Night”
🎶 “Stop to Love”
🎶 “The Power of Love / Love Power”
…and many more.
Set beneath the warm flicker of candlelight, this evening promises an unforgettable tribute to a true icon, delivered by an exceptional ensemble of talent who will honour his legacy with every note.
Disclaimer: This is a tribute concert. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Luther Vandross's estate or representatives.
Crickhowell Choral Society with the Brecknock sinfonia
20th Century Choral Classics With the Brecknock Sinfonia, featuring leading British composers.
Saturday 14 November 2026, 7.30pm
An evening of choral music celebrating the natural world, in Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday year.
Vaughan Williams' Benedicite sings of the sheer variety of life on earth. Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, heard here in Imogen Holst's chamber orchestra version, sets Christopher Smart's poetry about the cat, the mouse and the animals of the Bible. To close, John Rutter's Magnificat, song of praise, full of his warm melodies and lively rhythms. The soprano soloist is Maisie O'Shea, and Stephen Marshall conducts.
Programme:
Vaughan Williams: Benedicite
Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb (chamber orchestra version by Imogen Holst)
Rutter: Magnificat
The Music Of Coldplay By Candlelight
Direct from London's West End...The Music Of Coldplay By Candlelight is coming to the Cathedral.
Featuring a spectacular cast of world-class vocalists and an epic live band, as you experience Coldplay's biggest hits, like never before! This incredible concert will take you on the Adventure Of A Lifetime, with not just a Sky Full Of Stars, but a room full of candlelight and spectacular live music, too!
Get ready to hear all your favourites, from Viva La Vida and Hymn For The Weekend, to Yellow, The Scientist and many more, all performed live by candlelight.
*2 shows - 18.15 and 20.30
THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN AT CHRISTMAS - THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Step into a winter wonderland of soulful magic as the timeless hits of Motown are brought to life in this spectacular candlelit Christmas celebration.
Set against the warm glow of flickering candlelight, this amazing concert promises an unforgettable night of music and festive spirit.
Be swept away by the unmistakable sound of Motown as world-class singers and an incredible live band take to the stage, performing all the greatest hits from legendary artists such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight & many more. With soaring vocals, lush harmonies and the irresistible rhythms that defined a generation, this show will have you clapping, dancing and singing along from start to finish.
From the uplifting energy of dancefloor anthems to the heartwarming soul classics that touch the spirit, every song is delivered with passion and festive flair. Whether you’re reliving treasured memories or discovering these iconic songs for the first time, this is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
So gather your friends and loved ones, dress up for a night of sparkle, and immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Motown at Christmas - a truly magical evening that will fill your heart with festive cheer.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES
The Great British Film Orchestra presents Christmas at the Movies
Performance 1 - Friday 27th November 2026 - Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:00pm - 8:15pm (Last Entry 6:45pm)
Performance 2 - Friday 27th November 2026 - Doors 8:45pm / Show 9:15pm - 10:30pm (Last Entry 9:30pm)
Christmas at the Movies is a spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life, performed by The Great British Film Orchestra. This enchanting evening celebrates the music that has defined generations of holiday memories - rich, emotional and instantly recognisable.
From the heartwarming charm of Home Alone and Love Actually, to the timeless beauty of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, feel the excitement of The Polar Express, the fantasy of Harry Potter, the joy of Elf, and many more cinematic classics - all reimagined in a breathtaking chamber orchestral performance.
The Great British Film Orchestra is one of the UK’s premier live film music ensembles, renowned for its dynamic performances and cinematic authenticity. Specialising in the greatest scores from film, television and popular culture, the orchestra brings iconic soundtracks to life with exceptional musicianship and theatrical flair.
Set against a magical atmosphere, this concert blends sweeping symphonic sound, festive spirit and cinematic storytelling into an unforgettable seasonal celebration. Whether you are a lifelong film music fan or simply looking for the perfect way to embrace the holiday season, Christmas at the Movies promises an evening filled with nostalgia and Christmas magic.
Christmas By Candlelight
The ultimate Christmas concert is here! Join a spectacular cast of West End singers and an incredible live band, as they perform your favourite Christmas Hits.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, just in time for a magical evening of best loved festive music, performed live at the cathedral by candlelight. Featuring sing-along classics White Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Santa Baby, O Holy Night, Winter Wonderland and many more, this uplifting concert is the perfect way to celebrate a Christmas with the whole family!
*2 shows - 19.15 and 21.15
The Christmas Orchestra
The Christmas Orchestra promises a magical and energising festive journey, capturing the essence of Christmas and igniting your festive spirit.
From timeless carols to unforgettable festive melodies, the Christmas Orchestra performs a carefully curated selection of music that captures the spirit of the season.
Step into a magical atmosphere where live music and beautiful architecture come together for a truly immersive experience.
Performed by a talented group of professional musicians, the Christmas Orchestra delivers a powerful and emotional live performance that celebrates the beauty of Christmas music.
Discover the atmosphere, music, and unforgettable moments that make the Christmas Orchestra experience truly special.
Bublé Christmas By Candlelight
Featuring a spectacular live big band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act
Book your tickets for an unforgettable evening of Christmas hits, made famous by the one and only Michael Bublé.
The ultimate feel good, sing-along concert, guaranteed to bring aChristmas cheer and have you singing your heart out.
Hear best loved hits such as White Christmas, Santa Baby, Holly Jolly Christmas, All I Want For Christmas Is You and many more, performed live by candlelight.
Performance 1 - 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Performance 2 - 9:15pm - 10:30pm
ABBA Christmas By Candlelight
DECK THE HALLS WITH DISCO THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON FOR THE ULTIMATE ABBA CELEBRATION, PERFORMED BY CANDLELIGHT
Featuring the UK's leading ABBA Tribute ‘ABBA Reunion’, this feel-good sing-along concert is packed to the rafters with legendary ABBA hits.
An ABBA Christmas By Candlelight features some of the most iconic pop songs of all time including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vouz, Thank You for the Music, Dancing Queen and many more!
6:15pm - 7:30pm
8:30pm - 9:45pm
Annual Pet Service
🐾 All creatures great and small are welcome! 🐾
Join us at Brecon Cathedral for a very special Pet Service.
Bring along your much-loved companions, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or whatever member of the animal kingdom shares your home! Together we'll give thanks for the joy, companionship and unconditional love our animals bring into our lives, and there'll be an opportunity for each pet to receive a blessing.
Whether you're a regular at the Cathedral, haven't been for years, or have never stepped through our doors before, you and your pets will be very warmly welcome.
Come as you are. Bring the family. Bring the pets. Expect a little joyful chaos!
Harvest Festival
Come and celebrate Harvest with us at Brecon Cathedral!
Holy Eucharist at 8am & 11am
On Harvest Sunday, we gather to give thanks to God for the goodness of creation, for the food we enjoy, and for all those whose work provides for our daily needs.
But Harvest is also about sharing what we have. We'll be collecting donations for Brecon Foodbank, helping to support individuals and families in our own community. If you're able, please bring a contribution with you.
Whether the Cathedral is already your spiritual home, you haven't been for a while, or you've never joined us before, there is a place for you here.
Come and give thanks. Come and share. Come and celebrate God's goodness together.
Everyone is very warmly welcome.
Harvest festival
Holy Eucharist at 8am & 11am
On Harvest Sunday, we gather to give thanks to God for the goodness of creation, for the food we enjoy, and for all those whose work provides for our daily needs.
But Harvest is also about sharing what we have. We'll be collecting donations for Brecon Foodbank, helping to support individuals and families in our own community. If you're able, please bring a contribution with you.
Whether the Cathedral is already your spiritual home, you haven't been for a while, or you've never joined us before, there is a place for you here.
Come and give thanks. Come and share. Come and celebrate God's goodness together.
Everyone is very warmly welcome.
The Music of Motown - The Candlelight Concert
XPERIENCE LIVE presents The Music of Motown - performed in the stunning candlelit setting of Brecon Cathedral
Step into a world of soul-stirring harmonies, dazzling vocals and unforgettable grooves with The Music of Motown: The Candlelight Concert. This one-of-a-kind musical experience pays tribute to the legendary artists and timeless hits that defined a generation - all set alongside the breath-taking atmosphere of thousands of flickering candles.
Featuring a world-class live band and powerhouse vocalists, the show brings to life the golden era of Motown with stunning renditions of classics by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Jackson 5, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie and many more.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Motown sound for the first time, this immersive concert promises an evening of nostalgia and pure Motown joy.
Thurdsay 26th November 2026 | Doors: 6:30pm | Show: 7:30pm–9:45pm | Last entry: 7:15pm
Brecknock Sinfonia Concert
The orchestra is a blend of professional players, instrumental teachers, and talented amateurs from across South Wales and the Marches. They come together for four concerts a year, in Brecon Cathedral.
Founded in 1999 by musician Mark Foster, Brecknock Sinfonia grew from informal gatherings of friends into a respected ensemble with a wide repertoire and growing critical recognition.
Today it brings together professional players, instrumental teachers and accomplished amateurs from across South Wales and the Marches, presenting concerts in Brecon Cathedral under the baton of Michael Bell, MBE. The orchestra became a charitable trust in 2018, run day-to-day by a committee of players and supported by the Friends of Brecknock Sinfonia.
There are no weekly rehearsals and no membership fee. Each concert has a rehearsal on the day of performance and a midweek string rehearsal the week before. Invitations go out from a roster of regular players, with vacancies offered to other suitably qualified musicians.
Rehearsal time is short, and the standard is high, so players need to be confident sight readers with performance experience. To be considered, please contact us using the email:
The Yellow Bird Ensemble
Sue Bird: piano | Julia Watkins: violin | Alan Davies: cello.
Free entry - all welcome
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Festival Finale: Cappella Lacencis present Bach & Mendelssohn: The Eternal Legacy
Cappella Lacensis
The first German act to perform at Brecon Choir Festival brings the weekend to a close with masterpiece motets from Bach and Mendelssohn
As the resident choir of the Benedictine Abbey of Maria Laach, Cappella Lacencis is made up of some of the most talented young musicians from across Germany.
Hear pieces such as the extraordinary Jesu Meine Freude, as well as iconic pieces by the great Bach-discoverer Mendelssohn’s work for a uniquely powerful evening of two profound choral imaginations.
Book Tickets for this concert, or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone, please call 0333 666 3366.
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Festival Evensong
Brecon Cathedral
The Cathedral’s Festival Evensong with the Brecon Cathedral Choir joined by other singers
Come and Sing a special Festival Evensong.
We will be asking people who would like to sing as part of this evensong to pre-register. Please pre-register nearer the time. Singers will need to arrive at 2.00pm.
This is a free event.
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Continuum present George Herbert: The Journey of the Soul
Hear superstars of our 2024 festival Continuum as they return to Brecon for a special concert exploring the soul’s journey towards God
Continuum - founded by Harry Guthrie in 2018 - is comprised of some of the best young singers in the UK, many of whom met at the St John’s and Trinity College, Cambridge, alma mater of George Herbert.
Featuring Vaughan William’s Five Mystical Songs and new commissions by acclaimed composers Stuart Beer (‘Praise’ (King of Glory)) and Richard Barnard (A Wreath).
Book Tickets for this concert, or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone, please call 0333 666 3366.
Brecon Choir festival 26 - ‘One Harmonie’: George Herbert, Music and the Soul pre-concert panel discussion
Dr Simon Jackson
Join world experts Dr Simon Jackson and Professor Helen Wilcox as they illuminate Herbert’s profound understanding of music and its theological significance
Uncover the spiritual tension in his grasp of music as both theory and practice, and how it became a bridge between heaven and earth.
The talk concludes in time for lunch before Continuum’s concert.
Book Tickets for this discussion, or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone, please call 0333 666 3366.
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Grand Concert: The Gesualdo Six
The Gesualdo Six
The award-winning British vocal ensemble - led by Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers Owain Park - make their Brecon festival debut at stunning Brecon Cathedral.
The ensemble brings George Herbert’s soundworld to life with a special programme of English and Welsh motets by composers such as Byrd, Tomkins and Tallis.
Hear what Gramophone magazine calls the “undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one”
Book Tickets for this concert, or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone, please call 0333 666 3366.
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Cathedral Evensong
Join the Cathedral congregation for their weekly Evensong at Brecon’s ancient Cathedral.
This is a free event
Brecon choir festival 26 - Lunchtime Concert: Love, From Contrepoint
Emerging ensemble Contrepoint, drawn from the UK’s leading youth choirs, bring their acclaimed concert series Love to Brecon Cathedral.
Expect to hear a rich tapestry of music that celebrates love in all its forms, from tenderness to passion and even a touch of mischief.
Be the first to hear a new work by young composer William Cox set to the poetry of George Herbert. Made possible by a gift from the George Herbert Society, in memory of Dr Michael C. Schoenfeldt, 1955-2025.
Book Tickets for this concert or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone please call 0333 666 3366.
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - Brecon Singers, BCF Festival Chorus and Brecknock Sinfonia present A German Requiem by Brahms
Brecon Singers
Hear one of the great masterpieces of the Romantic period with Brahms’s inspired Requiem in ancient Brecon Cathedral.
Drawing on the Lutheran Bible, Brahms gives voice to grief, tenderness, and hard-won hope.
A German Requiem stands as one of music’s most humane responses to death.
Book Tickets for this concert or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone please call 0333 666 3366
Brecon Choir Festival 26 - ‘Till…my musick shine’: The reverberating life and poetry of George Herbert
George Herbert
Introducing the life and work of Welsh 17th-century writer George Herbert, the featured poet of the 2026 festival. A panel discussion with Helen Wilcox (Bangor University) and Chris Hodgkins (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro)
Panel discussion with Helen Wilcox (Bangor University) and Chris Hodgkins (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro).
Introducing the life and work of Welsh 17th-century writer George Herbert, the featured poet of the 2026 festival.
Described by Simone Weil as the author of “the most beautiful poem in the world”, two world experts explore Herbert’s creative and devotional tensions.
Book Tickets for this concert, or if you would rather order your tickets over the phone, please call 0333 666 3366
Ordinations 2026 - Live stream
The Cathedrals of Wales will be full this weekend as the six diocese of the Church in Wales ordain and welcome into ministry 20 new deacons and 17 new priests. The annual ordination service which takes place every June is a highlight of the Church in Wales calendar, with candidates being ordained by their bishops in front of their families, friends and communities in a service of joy and celebration.
The Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, stated: Ordaining people as deacons and priests is one of the greatest joys and privileges of being a bishop. This year, as always, we will be celebrating and giving thanks for the ways in which God calls his people into public ministry and service, and particularly into ordained ministry. I invite you to join me in praying for all who are being ordained in these coming weeks, and for their families and the churches and Ministry/Mission Areas in which they will serve.”
Those being ordained at Brecon Cathedral and who will serve within the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon are listed below. The service at 2pm is open to all to attend and will be live-streamed via Vimeo for those who wish to watch online
To be Ordained Deacon:
Dirk De Neve,
Bashir Masih Gill,
Rhodri Williams
To be Ordained Priest:
Vicky Claridge,
Lizbeth Matthews
Lunchtime recitAL Series - David stevens - Organ
Polite notice: There has been an amendment this 1pm Lunchtime Recital Series. Our very own Director of Music David Stevens will now give an organ recital.
This is a free concert and all are welcome
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