About Grosmont

What Links Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Chelsea Flower Show and Grosmont's Huw Llewelyn Morgan?

Sunday 3rd May 2009

On Saturday July 11th this year, The Merbecke Choir of Southwark Cathedral will give their summer concert in the presence of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.  The Cathedral is naming two new varieties of rose after Archbishop Tutu and his wife Leah at this year's Chelsea Flower Show:  to celebrate this, the choir, directed by Grosmont's own Huw Llewelyn Morgan, will present a programme of music with a rose-tinted theme.

Southwark Cathedral stands on the south bank of the Thames at London Bridge and has been a sacred site since AD 606; the current building is the oldest Cathedral building in London.  The Cathedral's Merbecke Choir was set up to provide former choristers with continuation in their choral singing after leaving the boys' and girls' choirs.  As well as termly concerts, the choir sings at professional engagements in the City of London as well as at regular and special Cathedral services; they were broadcast internationally when they sang for the Queen's Christmas Message in 2006.

The group is named after John Merbecke, the great Tudor composer who, during the Reformation, was accused of heresy, tried, and condemned to death in Southwark Cathedral. However, 'as he was a mere musician', he was spared.

For tickets please apply to Southwark Cathedral on 020 7367 6700 or susanna.bloomfield@southwark.anglican.org

Released on 03/05/2009 | Permalink