The ever-popular BBC One programme, Songs of Praise, is coming to St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth. The recordings will take place on the afternoons of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March.
The producer, Garry Boon, says: “These recordings give local singers a great opportunity to come together to enjoy two wonderful afternoons of music-making for broadcast on BBC One. For Christians in the area it’s the chance for a wonderful ecumenical expression of their faith.”
The conductor will be Gordon Stewart, a professional organist of international renown, who has been one of the regular conductors on Songs of Praise for over 20 years. A native of Dundee, his first appointment as an organist was at Dundee Methodist Church at the age of 14. He subsequently worked in cathedral music for many years and has become one of the UK’s most popular organists. Keen singers are invited to join a specially-formed massed choir under his direction who will lead the viewers at home in the singing.
Admission will be by free ticket. Singers and those wishing to be in the congregation are welcome to attend one or both recordings. They can apply by going to the ‘Tickets’ page of the Songs of Praise website, by e-mailing songsofpraise@bbc.co.uk, or by telephoning 0161 335 8429. The deadline for all ticket applications is Tuesday 28th February. The music recorded will be broadcast in future editions of the programme.
Songs of Praise celebrated its fifty-fifth anniversary in October last year.
Dave Stanford, executive producer, says: “The world has changed a lot in five and a half decades, but Songs of Praise has continued to thrive thanks to those who join together to raise their voices and inspire our audience week after week. I do hope lots of people in Perth and thereabouts will want to be part of this exciting event.”
There will be an additional practice for participating choirs on Saturday 11th March at St Leonard’s in the Fields, Perth
For further information please contact:
The Songs of Praise website is http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ttc5
