Songs of Hope: The Renaissance Choir's 50th anniversary concert in Southsea

The Renaissance Choir is celebrating a major milestone this summer with two special 50th anniversary concerts, taking place in Southsea on 11 July and Boxgrove on 18 July 2026. These performances will showcase some of the choir’s favourite works from across its rich history, while also marking the final concerts conducted by Peter Gambie after 34 years as Music Director. In Southsea, we include Allegri’s scintillating Miserere Mei, with its famous soaring soprano solo. As a contrast, we’ll perform Sir James MacMillan’s Miserere, widely considered as one of the most challenging choral works. There’s also the chance to hear the choir’s anniversary commission, Schofield’s Songs of Hope. The gentle music of Eric Whitacre sits alongside one of William Byrd’s greatest pieces, Ne Irascaris. Homage is paid to Victoria’s great Officium defunctorum mass. John Cage gets a look-in too, with a Zen-inspired work of inner peace. In Boxgrove there’s Poulenc’s Gloria, accompanied by Karen Kingsley on piano, alongside MacMillan’s Miserere, Byrd’s Ne Irascaris and Laudibus in Sanctis, and Bach’s Komm, Jesu, Komm. Set within the stunning acoustics of two beautiful historic churches, these concerts celebrate 50 years of musical excellence, creativity and community. Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful choral music, reflection, hope and celebration. 7.30 pm, Saturday 11 July 2026, Church of the Holy Spirit, Southsea, PO4 0DY and 7.30 pm, Saturday 18 July 2026, Boxgrove Priory Church, PO18 0EE. Full price tickets are £18 until the Saturday evening before each concert, then £20. Children/students pay £3.