Can Beauty Save the World?
In 1588, amid the upheaval of the Reformation and the threat of the Spanish Armada, William Byrd fought an artistic battle, writing his ‘Reasons to Sing’, arguing for music’s spiritual and physical benefits. 400 years later this subject is as urgent as ever, inspiring a conference at the University of Birmingham – and featuring this hour-long concert of Jeffrey’s Top Ten most beautiful pieces.
Programme includes:
Byrd Ave verum
Britten A Hymn to the Virgin
Lobo Versa est in luctum
Lotti Crucifixus
Whitacre Sleep
Running time is approx. 1 hours 10 minutes (no interval).
EX CATHEDRA Choir
Jeffrey Skidmore conductor
How to book
Please save the date - booking information will be published here as soon as it is available.
Getting there
All Saints is located at the junction of Calthorpe Road, Westbourne Road and Church Road. Limited parking is available on surrounding roads. The venue is well served by buses including nos.22 & 23 from the city centre. It is also on the route of the no.1 from south Birmingham. Find options here.
Access
Everyone is welcome at our concerts, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure you have a great experience.
There is a step-free entrance from the south side of the car park, into the south door of church, and automated doors.
There is ample space for wheelchairs in the nave. Once the concert is on sale, we recommend you call the box office to book and for any additional advice.
This concert is not amplified.
You may like to note that the concert is likely to be performed as an uninterrupted sequence and the atmosphere will be quiet and still for extended periods.
If you have any other access questions, please contact the box office in the first instance, and do let us know if you need any additional help.
Concert FAQs
Find answers to your questions here. Do let us know if we've missed anything you'd find helpful.
Jeffrey says
"It seems fortuitous that the international spiritual study Can beauty save the world? comes to the University of Birmingham in September as a conference entitled ‘Reasons to Sing’: Singing, Spirituality and the Search for Meaning. The project’s philosophy and aims seem to sum up my musical life and present the perfect introduction to my final season with Ex Cathedra. You will be able to hear my top ten selection of most beautiful pieces!"
