World-class music for all

St Davids Cathedral brings world-class performances to Pembrokeshire as the Cathedral Music Festival returns from 22-31 May. Festival Administrator Ben Richards sets the scene..

The ten-day festival promises an exceptional blend of classical, contemporary and traditional music, showcasing both internationally renowned artists and emerging local talent in one of Wales's most atmospheric venues.

Opening night will feature the Royal Harpist, Mared Pugh-Evans, performing traditional Welsh music, and the Festival Children's Chorus, led by acclaimed conductor Ula Weber. This launch sets the tone for a programme that celebrates both heritage and innovation.

A particular highlight comes on Saturday 23 May, when the BBC National Orchestra of Wales presents Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony under conductor Martyn Brabbins, alongside works by Coleridge-Taylor and Welsh composer Huw Watkins. This annual performance has become a cornerstone of the festival, drawing audiences from across the region.

Choral Evensong will be broadcast live from the festival on BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 27 May, when the Cathedral choir joins renowned viol consort Fretwork, celebrating Tudor composer Thomas Tomkins, who was born in St Davids. Fretwork will also give a concert that evening, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the renaissance composer and singer John Dowland.

Contemporary music and musicians feature prominently, with dynamic classical fusion violinist Simmy Singh presenting her Belonging/Perthyn programme, TikTok organ sensation Jan Liebermann performing on the cathedral’s historic 1883 Father Willis organ, and vocal ensemble Apollo5 performing a mix of ancient sacred and contemporary pop and jazz tunes.

Accessibility is a priority. The festival is committed to making world-class music available to everyone. All children under 18 attend free when accompanied by an adult and St Davids residents receive a 20% discount.’

The programme extends beyond evening concerts, with morning coffee concerts, afternoon recitals, and family-friendly performances throughout. Highlights include a family concert featuring Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and an evening drinks and canapes reception, featuring Tom Marsh’s Jazz Trio.

The festival concludes on Saturday 30 May with John S. Davies’s farewell concert, conducting his eponymous choir in Bach's Magnificat and Haydn's Nelson Mass—a fitting finale to a distinguished career.

Tickets range from £10 to £30, with many unreserved seating options available. The Festival Box Office on the Pebbles will operate from 18 May throughout the festival period.

For more information and bookings, visit www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk/music-festivalor call 01437 722002.