Lay Vicars Concert: Abraham and Isaac

for 2 hours
Salisbury Cathedral
West Walk Salisbury, SP1 2EJ, United Kingdom

Written for alto, tenor and piano, Abraham and Isaac is one of Britten’s most compelling vocal works. Drawing on the medieval Chester Mystery Plays, it retells the story of Abraham and Isaac with striking directness and emotional depth. The two voices take on multiple roles, creating a vivid musical drama that remains one of the composer’s most distinctive settings of a biblical text.

Performed in the unique setting of Salisbury Cathedral, this concert offers an opportunity to experience Britten’s music alongside works by some of his contemporaries, placing Abraham and Isaac within the rich musical landscape of twentieth-century Britain.

This concert forms part of a wider weekend at Salisbury Cathedral celebrating the life and music of Benjamin Britten, marking the 50th anniversary of his death in 2026. The celebrations continue at Choral Evensong on Sunday 22 November, when Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia will be sung on the Feast of St Cecilia, which also falls on the composer’s birthday.

Tickets are available online or through the Cathedral Box Office, open Monday–Friday 10am–4pm.

For visitors with access requirements, or if you require an essential companion to accompany you, please contact the Cathedral Box Office to book your tickets.

Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01722 656 555.

More info

Salisbury Cathedral

Please make sure to check our website before you visit. Here, you can find the latest information regarding services, prayer and contemplation as we continue to align and adapt with the times to government guidance.

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Lay Vicars Concert: Abraham and Isaac

for 2 hours
Salisbury Cathedral
West Walk Salisbury, SP1 2EJ, United Kingdom

Written for alto, tenor and piano, Abraham and Isaac is one of Britten’s most compelling vocal works. Drawing on the medieval Chester Mystery Plays, it retells the story of Abraham and Isaac with striking directness and emotional depth. The two voices take on multiple roles, creating a vivid musical drama that remains one of the composer’s most distinctive settings of a biblical text.

Performed in the unique setting of Salisbury Cathedral, this concert offers an opportunity to experience Britten’s music alongside works by some of his contemporaries, placing Abraham and Isaac within the rich musical landscape of twentieth-century Britain.

This concert forms part of a wider weekend at Salisbury Cathedral celebrating the life and music of Benjamin Britten, marking the 50th anniversary of his death in 2026. The celebrations continue at Choral Evensong on Sunday 22 November, when Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia will be sung on the Feast of St Cecilia, which also falls on the composer’s birthday.

Tickets are available online or through the Cathedral Box Office, open Monday–Friday 10am–4pm.

For visitors with access requirements, or if you require an essential companion to accompany you, please contact the Cathedral Box Office to book your tickets.

Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01722 656 555.

More info
Salisbury Cathedral Charity No. 01202770