Musica Deo Sacra 2026
Monday 3 August to Sunday 9 August 2026
A Festival Celebrating Music in the Liturgy
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.
Musica Deo Sacra 2026 – Monday 3 August to Sunday 9 August
This year the festival has much to offer. From ancient plainsong and glorious polyphony to the most spine-tingling contemporary pieces, we look forward to presenting the very best in sacred choral music in this glorious setting.
During the course of the week, we will mark a number of significant musical anniversaries including Thomas Weelkes (born 1576), Samuel Sebastian Wesley (died 1876), Charles Wood (died 1926) and Benjamin Britten (died 1976). Friday’s Requiem Mass will be sung to a beautiful setting by the sixteenth century French composer, Jean Richafort, written in memory of the great Renaissance composer, Josquin Desprez. French influence of a different nature will be much to the fore at Sunday’s High Mass when we sing the exciting Messe pour Notre-Dame by the renowned British organist and composer, David Briggs.
MDS has always supported the composition of new music and, this year, it is a great pleasure to premiere a commissioned anthem by Canadian composer, Stephanie Martin.
In addition to the round of services, there are various other musical and social events including an organ recital given by the Festival Organist and a chamber concert in the Old Baptist Chapel. This year we also welcome Tim Popple of ‘In Quires and Places where they meme’ fame – who will deliver an entertaining talk on the behind the scenes world of cathedral choirs.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tewkesbury Abbey for this unique and special festival of sacred music.
Details for ticketed events
Saturday 8th August 4pm Chamber Concert (Old Baptist Chapel), Newe Vialles – Old Viols
Dances and divisions for two historical bass viols. Henrik Persson and Caroline Ritchie – viola da gamba.
Tickets are £20 per person, available from The John Moore Museum and Eventbrite (plus booking fee). For further information call 01684 850112 or email oldchapelcourt@btinternet.com
If you would like to become an MDS patron please download a Patrons leaflet.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list please send your details to info@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
Previous MDS festivals
MDS 2025 took place from Monday 28 July to Sunday 3 August.