Three Choirs Plus, adding an extra dimension
Three Choirs Plus is an integral part of the Three Choirs Festival and is made up of musical and non musical activities that are taking place alongside the traditional Three Choirs Festival. The Three Choirs Plus programme shines a spotlight on the creative talents of many Gloucestershire artists, singers, dancers, actors, craftspeople and all round entertainers. It includes two exciting outreach projects.
Alison and Brian Ley
Directors of Three Choirs Plus
Song of the Earth
This is a community music project involving singers from all over the county of Gloucestershire and way, way beyond. The singers in this eclectic mix come from choral societies, church choirs, a capella groups, Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Ukranian, folk, Gospel, community, school choirs and so on. It is through a love of singing that these diverse groups have come together to fill the Cathedral with an extraordianary and stunning collection of global sacred musics.
Mindsong
A social inclusion music therapy project for elderly people with dementia. Led by qualified music therapists assisted by volunteers, people from this target group are taking part in music making. As well as offering a pleasurable experience, this may have further benefits on their emotional and mental health. An expanded project across the county is likely to result from this initiative, thus ensuring a legacy from the Three Choirs Plus input. There is an exhibition about this project in the Cathedral Cloisters.
Theatre and Entertainment
The multiple talents of Gloucestershire performers are displayed in both daytime and late night events. These events take place in and around the confines of the Cathedral and include the Shakespearean performances by the Festival Players, jazz performers in late night cabaret, children’s concerts, the smallest opera company in the world, gamelan workshops, poetry walks and several other highly entertaining and enriching events.
Arts and Crafts
This strand celebrates the skills of many Gloucestershire artists and craftspeople across a variety of disciplines. Craftspeople can be seen at work in Blackfriars, the mediaeval Dominican priory, whilst art and sculpture exhibitions can be viewed in and around the Cathedral. Take time to explore these, the craft marquee, the Cathedral Stonemason’s Yard and other events at a number of magnificent heritage sites within Gloucester city.
Other Events
Why not discover more about Gloucester with a guided tour of the City? You can find out more about the Victorian Docks and what it would have been like when ships sailed in with cargo from around the world, or discover things about the Cathedral you would never have guessed!
