Upcoming Performances

Elgar

The Dream of Gerontius

What happens in the final moments of life? What awaits the soul beyond the veil?

Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius is not just a concert — it’s a profound voyage into the heart of human longing, fear, and hope. With every note, Elgar paints the soul’s passage from death into eternity, guided by angels, confronted by judgment, and embraced by divine mystery.

Featuring the majestic sound of Ashtead Choral Society, world-class soloists and the orchestral brilliance of Kent Sinfonia, this concert promises a breathtaking fusion of drama and devotion. From whispered prayers to thunderous choruses, this music doesn’t just echo — it pierces. It lifts you, shakes you, and leaves you changed. Whether you’re a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to the genre, Gerontius offers a transformative musical experience unlike any other. Come and be part of an evening where music becomes transcendence — where the boundaries between earth and heaven blur, and the soul sings.

Tickets & Practicalities

• Full ticket price £18 , under 18s free entry. (Adult tickets on door £20). No booking Fee.
• Price includes a Programme and an interval glass of wine.
• Wheelchair users please call 07835 115716 to arrange available space.
• Seating is in the pews, please bring a cushion if you wish.

We are grateful for the financial support of The Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust for their support again this season.

Bach

St John Passion

In a world aching for meaning, few works speak to the depths of human suffering and divine love like Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion. This is not just music — it’s a sacred lament, a visceral journey through betrayal, sacrifice, and the hope of redemption. From the anguished voice of Christ to the haunting beauty of the chorales, Bach’s masterpiece lays bare the raw emotions of the Passion story. It weeps, it pleads, it consoles. It asks us to witness — not just with our ears, but with our hearts.

The renowned Ashtead Choral Society is joined for this performance by a supreme team of soloists and the effervescent Kent Sinfonia orchestra for what promises to be more than a concert: a soundtrack of pain, love, and redemption. Whether you’re into drama, history, or just want to feel something real, this concert is your chance to experience a masterpiece that’s been shaking hearts for 300 years.

Handel

Theodora

Step into the world of ancient Rome, where faith is forbidden and love defies empire. Set in Roman-occupied Antioch, Theodora tells the tale of a noble Christian woman who refuses to renounce her faith. Condemned to a brothel by the Roman governor Valens, Didymus, a Roman soldier secretly converted to Christianity, risks everything to save her. Composed in 1750, Theodora features some of Handel’s most exquisite writing. The arias are tender and introspective, the choruses rich with solemn beauty. Handel himself considered it superior to Messiah, especially the chorus “He saw the lovely youth,” which he ranked above the famous “Hallelujah” chorus.

Though it was underappreciated in its time, Theodora is now hailed as a masterpiece of Baroque drama and musical expression. This is not just a concert — it’s a journey into the soul of Handel’s artistry. With its themes of courage, sacrifice, and spiritual transcendence, Theodora resonates deeply in today’s world.

Tickets & Practicalities

• Full ticket price £18 , under 18s free entry. (Adult tickets on door £20). No booking Fee.
• Price includes a Programme and an interval glass of wine.
• Wheelchair users please call 07835 115716 to arrange available space.
• Seating is in the pews, please bring a cushion if you wish.

We are grateful for the financial support of The Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust for their support again this season.