Press release: Major Gregorian Chant Course is flourishing at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth

 For immediate release

Once again over 60 are due to gather for Major Gregorian Chant Course continuing at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth

Portsmouth, UK – St John’s Cathedral is hosting the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course, a three-part workshop series drawing more than 60 participants from across the country. Launched on 10 January 2026, the course welcomes both beginners and experienced singers, offering expert instruction in the art and practice of Gregorian chant.

Led by Music Director Dominic Bevan, a distinguished graduate of the Royal College of Music, the course provides a rare opportunity to explore the historical and liturgical significance of chant. Participants are grouped by experience and receive hands-on coaching in both performance and leadership skills. The workshops culminate in a public Mass at 3pm on 14 February and 14 March, where the newly-formed choir will perform the chants learned during the course.

Organisers report a vibrant and enthusiastic response from those who are attending the course, with many expressing eagerness for the upcoming sessions. The course is open to all, and the public is warmly invited to attend the concluding Masses at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth.

For further information, visit the official course website homepage: portsmouthgregorianchant.blogspot.com.

Contact: PortsmouthChantCourse@gmail.com

Mark your calendar: 

Saturday 14 February 2026, 3pm, St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way,
Portsmouth PO1 3HG

Saturday 14 March 2026, 3pm, St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way,
Portsmouth PO1 3HG






Link to PDF of flyer for download


















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Fantastic feedback after first workshop

We have had great comments made by our participants from the first workshop:) They are looking forward to the next two in February and March, none more so than Antonia Moffat of EWTN Great Britain who sings the praises of Gregorian chant and all our efforts to give it due energy at our first workshop last Saturday at St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth UK. The immediate fruits of the workshop consisted of our whole cohort being given the privilege of singing chant we had learned earlier in the day, at the 3pm Latin Mass in honour of Our Lady, said by Fr Serafino Lanzetta of the Marian Franciscans based also in Portsmouth. We were a mixed bag of singers of all ages and experience in singing chant, many for the very first time at a Latin Mass setting. We thank God for having had this opportunity, and are very happy that our sponsors can be proud of their confidence in our ability to rise to the occasion - as Antonia put it "the sound of heaven" - a tall order! One that was n...
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Over 60 Singers to Gather in Portsmouth for Major Gregorian Chant Course Beginning 10 January 2026

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Over 60 Singers to Gather in Portsmouth for Major Gregorian Chant Course Beginning 10 January 2026 Portsmouth is set to resonate with the timeless sound of sacred music as more than 60 participants gather this Saturday, 10 January 2026, for the opening session of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course, hosted at St John’s Cathedral. Bringing together both beginners and seasoned singers, this three‑part workshop series offers a rare opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Gregorian chant, explore ancient repertoire, and develop interpretative skills under expert guidance. A Public Sung Mass Featuring a 60‑Voice Choir The first workshop will culminate in a sung Mass at 15:00, during which course participants will form a choir of more than sixty voices to perform the chants they have studied. The Mass, held at St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3HG , is open to the public . The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course...
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Latest on our course fast approaching..

don't delay APPLY TODAY and spread the word about what's in store -  inviting music lovers, singers, and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant   in  Portsmouth this Spring 2026 🙏
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Breaking news...

  Link to PDF of above flyer Breaking news... For all Gregorian chant lovers:  A treat is in store! Listen this Sunday morning, third Sunday in Lent, at 08:30 BBC Radio Berkshire – 95.4 FM, 104.1 FM BBC Radio Oxford – 95.2 FM BBC Radio Solent – 96.1 FM, 103.8 FM On Sunday 8 March at 8.35am, Neville McNally, our Portsmouth Gregorian chant course organiser, will be in a live interview with BBC presenters from their Oxfordshire studios on BBC South. The programme will be going out live on all three of the following frequencies on this Sunday morning, third Sunday in Lent, at 08:35 BBC Radio Berkshire – 95.4 FM, 104.1 FM BBC Radio Oxford – 95.2 FM BBC Radio Solent – 96.1 FM, 103.8 FM The producer reached out to ask if Neville might talk about what the course wishes to achieve, the history of the chant and to give live instructions on air to the presenters on how to sing chant. Neville is delighted to have this opportunity to share what our Portsmouth Gregorian chant course is all ...
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The story so far...

Welcome back again to hear how our Spring 2026 chant course is going. Part I and Part II went so well!  Despite the weather, travel and colds, we managed to get through the first two parts swimmingly. Participants have come from as far as the West Midlands, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex as well as from all over the Diocese of Portsmouth which includes Oxfordshire, parts of Dorset, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. Virtually everyone still wants to stay on board and develop their singing skills in this intricate genre and style developed over millennia to create a soothing and sacred sound worthy for worship of Our Creator. Our next and final part of the course will take place on Saturday 14 March 2026 at Portsmouth RC Cathedral as usual - St John's, Bishop Crispian Way, PO1 3HG. Please do come along to hear our over 60-strong choir accompany the Dominican Rite Mass at the Cathedral in less than 3 weeks' time. You are very welcome, no matter what ...
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