The Great Malvern Festival Of Singing 16th – 22nd August 2026 With Non-Residency Options

The Great Malvern Festival of Singing 2026

16th –22nd August 2026 | Malvern

The Great Malvern Festival of Singing returns in 2026 — and it promises to be something truly special.

Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Malvern Hills, this immersive residential festival brings together outstanding musical leadership, renowned soloists, and singers from across the country for six unforgettable days of choral music-making, with public performances every evening.

Following the extraordinary success of its inaugural year, the festival continues to offer something genuinely distinctive: not just great repertoire, but a transformative approach to singing.

A Festival with a Purpose

This festival is not about simply getting the notes and dynamics right.

The whole purpose of the Great Malvern Festival of Singing is to help you sing with stronger, freer technique and with a much deeper understanding of text and musical meaning. Through detailed, focused coaching, you will learn how to communicate more fully as a singer — individually and collectively — enabling performances of real intensity, clarity, and emotional impact.

The results speak for themselves: last year’s performances thrilled both singers and audiences alike.

Three Choral Courses | Six Days of Music

The festival features three two-day choral courses, each culminating in a public evening performance.
You may attend one, two, or all three courses, on either a residential or non-residential basis.

Between the choral concerts, enjoy a lively programme of recitals and cabaret, all free to course participants.

Course 1 | 16th –17th August

“The Sum of Many Parts”

A celebration of large-scale choral masterpieces including:

• Tallis – Spem in Alium 
• Allegri – Miserere
• Brahms – Geistliches Lied
• Biebl– Ave Maria
• Rheinberger – Abendlied
• Wood – Hail Gladdening Light
• Pearsall – Lay a Garland

Tallis’s Spem in Alium sits firmly on the bucket list of so many singers. This course offers the rare opportunity to take part in a full-scale performance (subject to numbers), alongside a rich programme of works that revel in polyphony and divided voices.

You will be taught not only to sing this repertoire well, but to use it as a vehicle for personal expression — transforming beautiful music into compelling communication.

Performance venue:
The magnificent Chapel of Malvern College

🎭 Performance – 17th August 19.30

Music copies and learning tracks will be sent well in advance, allowing you to prepare thoroughly before arrival.

🎭 Special Event – 16th August 20.00

Following her sensational performance last year Melinda Hughes  returns with her pianist Jeremy Limb for a special appearance as the “legendary” Diva, Clemenzia Von Trunksale.

Hilarious, Irreverent and Unmissable.

Free to participants in course 1.

Course 2 | 18th –19th August

We are delighted to welcome Roderick Williams OBE, one of Britain’s most admired and versatile singers, for a deeply rewarding choral programme including:

• Vaughan Williams – Five Mystical Songs

• Parry – Blest Pair of Sirens

• Chris Manu – Silentium

• Mendelssohn – Hear My Prayer (with soprano Jennifer Clarke)

The course culminates in a performance of Fauré’s Requiem, sung with Jennifer Clarke and Roderick Williams, accompanied by a string ensemble, piano and organ.

Performance venue:
The majestic Great Malvern Priory

Performance at 19.30 on 19th August

As with all courses, music and learning tracks will be provided well in advance.

🎭 Special Event – Recital – 18th August 20.00
Roderick Williams and pianist Susie Allan present a special recital centred on Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin.

Free to participants in course 2.

Course 3 | 20th – 21st August

A complete performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle — one of the most exhilarating works in the choral repertoire.

• Penglei Liang

• Alison Kettlewell

• Roberto Ortiz

• Simon Thorpe

Rossini’s most loved choral work, coached and performed in the electrifying style which has become the hallmark of They Shall Laugh and Sing events.

Performance venue:
The Chapel of Malvern College

Performance at 19.30 on 21st August

🎭 Special Event – Evening Concert | 20th August

An intimate programme of songs, arias and duets with Penglei Liang and Roberto Ortiz.

Free to participants in Course 3.

Artistic Team

The festival is led by an exceptional team of musicians:

• Jeff Stewart – Artistic Director

• Jonathan Hope – Gloucester Cathedral

• Piers Maxim – Malvern Priory

• Ben Saul – Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Join Us in 2026

With nightly performances, world-class artists, and an approach that places communication and technique at the heart of choral singing, the Great Malvern Festival of Singing 2026 offers a uniquely rewarding experience for committed singers.

Places are limited, and demand is high. Early booking is strongly advised. Prices advertised are for early-bird bookings and will rise after 10th January.

Booking

There are options for non-residents to book to have Lunch and Dinner with us each day, or Lunch, or No Meals at all.

The prices listed are per person.

All bookings are made in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and completion of a booking is taken as agreement to abide by them. All deposits are non-refundable.