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Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026:

Embrace the Timeless Art of Chanting


Are you ready to delve into the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant? Join us for the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth (UK), and embark on a musical journey that transcends time

our Spring course is full to capacity



HOWEVER, the good news is 

the Masses at 3pm in the Cathedral

where we sing the chants learned earlier in the day
has been freely open to the public
in person or via livestream from ChurchTV 
on all of the chant course dates

Dates in Spring 2026

 10 January

 14 February 14 March

all at 3pm

For the next and final Mass at 3pm Saturday

14 March


Join us in person or via livestream ChurchTV for 3pm Saturday 14 March 2026 to hear what we will have learned at Part III of III 




Course Overview

Our course is designed for both beginners and experienced singers who wish to deepen their understanding and practice of Gregorian Chant. Over three one-day workshops, held on the second Saturday of January, February and March 2026, participants will learn the historical context, vocal techniques, and interpretative skills necessary to become confident chant practitioners and chant leaders

This course is now full to capacity so if you are interested in joining future courses please email us via our Contact Form (click on the hamburger icon or arrow above this image to access it)





Endorsement from Dr Joseph Shaw, Chairman of the Latin Mass Society

"The Latin Mass Society is delighted to support the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026. Gregorian Chant is not only a vital part of our Catholic heritage but also a living tradition that continues to inspire and unite. We encourage everyone with an interest in sacred music to join this exceptional programme."
— Dr Joseph Shaw, Chairman, Latin Mass Society



We are very grateful to Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth for his encouragement of the Gregorian Chant Course initiative


We would also like to acknowledge with gratitude the generous support of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales


We appreciate the support of other organisations and individuals who help advertise the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course to a wide audience




Below is our original flyer for the above course which will come to a close on 14 March 2026:





and here >> in PDF format


NB If you have missed out on the course this Spring, we hope to continue with further courses in the future... Watch this space :)











Note - click arrow or 3 lines on top left to toggle for contact form and links

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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*** Press release: More Than 70 Voices Unite in Celebration as Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course Concludes

  Portsmouth, March 2026 — More than 70 people gathered at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth , on Saturday 14 March for the final instalment of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course , a programme that has received widespread acclaim for introducing the ancient tradition of chant to participants of all ages and musical backgrounds. Launched in January 2026, the course welcomed complete beginners alongside experienced musicians, attracting adults, students and children alike. Among the youngest participants was Anne, aged six , who spoke enthusiastically of her enjoyment of singing the chants — a reflection of the inclusive and accessible ethos of the programme. The course was directed by Dominic Bevan , a professional musician and graduate of the Royal College of Music , whose extensive experience in sacred music guided participants throughout the programme. Instruction was further enriched by the contribution of two leading practitioners of chant. Abbot Xavier Perrin ...
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Great News - this week beginning 22 Sept 2025

  We will be accepting Application Forms for registration from Friday 26 September 2025 In the meantime, here are details of the cost of the course: Course Subscription The fee for the 3-part course  will need to be paid in advance, after application approval Adults £75 Students £45 Children £30 This fee includes  The Cost of Instruction  and Course Materials Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day Participants should bring a packed lunch or shop locally (there is a cafe in Victoria Park opposite the Cathedral until 3pm and the city centre is just a few minutes' walk away) check here on Friday, 26 September  for a link to the Application Form
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Big Announcement today 10 September 2025 at 8pm BST

  Great News for all on the South Coast of England and beyond... Are you ready to delve into the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant?  We are delighted to announce, and invite you to join us for the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth UK, and embark on a musical journey that transcends time Our course is designed for both beginners and experienced singers who wish to deepen their understanding and practice of Gregorian Chant. Over three one-day workshops, held on the second Saturday of January, February and March 2026, participants will learn the historical context, vocal techniques, and interpretative skills necessary to become confident chant practitioners and chant leaders See details of how to  apply for a place on the course here
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Renowned Liturgist and Chant Scholar to Lead Participants into the Heart of Gregorian Chant

  Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB Joins Teaching Team for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 Renowned Liturgist and Chant Scholar to Lead Participants into the Heart of Gregorian Chant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is delighted to announce that Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB, the esteemed Abbot of Our Lady of Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, will be joining its team of teaching experts. Abbot Xavier brings a wealth of experience and spiritual depth to the programme, deepening the course’s commitment to nurturing both musical skill and spiritual understanding in Gregorian Chant. With a lifelong familiarity with Gregorian Chant, Abbot Xavier is not only a distinguished liturgist and scholar, but also an accomplished teacher of theology. His years as a monk have seen him pray Gregorian Chant daily, making it his spiritual sustenance and infusing his teaching with authenticity and devotion. As a result, he is uniquely equipped to guide particip...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Registration Opens for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026: Embrace the Timeless Art of Chanting Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is now open for registration, inviting music lovers, singers, and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth. This unique course offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the oldest and most profound musical traditions in the Western world. Course Overview Designed for both beginners and experienced singers, the course consists of three one-day workshops on the second Saturday of January (10th), February (14th), and March (14th) 2026. Participants will delve into the historical context, vocal techniques, and interpretative skills necessary to become confident chant practitioners and leaders. The syllabus includes: Foundations: History, notation, and Latin pronunciation (beginners) Gregorian Semiology & Interpretation: Neumes...
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