Founded in 1969, Musica Deo Sacra is a festival celebrating music in the liturgy, held in the majestic setting of Tewkesbury Abbey. Each year a choir of mixed voices, comprising professional and semi-professional singers, assembles to sing some of the jewels of church music written over many centuries, ranging from ancient plainsong composers. The nine choral services – Masses, Evensongs, Compline, a Requiem and Matins – are the beating heart of the festival, and performing this music within the proper liturgical context, rather than a concert, gives the week a unique and special flavour. In addition to the round of services, there are various other musical and social events including an organ recital given by the Festival Organist, a chamber concert in the Old Baptist Chapel and a lecture.

This year we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of the great Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina together with the 400th anniversary of the death of the Tudor composer, Orlando Gibbons. We also celebrate the 80th birthday of Sir John Rutter, who was knighted earlier this year. As ever, the music features a wide variety of styles and periods, providing a blend of well-loved classics together with lesser-known items from the repertoire.