JOIN THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL

ABOUT THETHREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL

Having recently celebrated its 300th anniversary, the Three Choirs Festival is the world’s oldest classical music festival, presenting the world’s finest choral music. The cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester, the 150-voice Three Choirs Festival Chorus and the Philharmonia Orchestra are showcased in a week-long musical celebration that rotates annually between the three cathedrals, nestled in the heart of the English countryside.

Festival concerts are performed in the cathedrals themselves, offering American audiences an opportunity to experience the finest classical music in some of England’s most magnificent medieval buildings, where the world’s leading singers and musicians perform annually.

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HRH The Prince of Wales, President of the Three Choirs Festival Association, meets choristers of the Three Cathedral Choirs at the reception which he hosted at Buckingham Palace in November 2015 to mark the 300th anniversary of the festival

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THE AMERICAN ‘FRIENDS’Created in 2014, The American Friends of the Three Choirs Festival was established to expand festival audiences, support the work of the Festival, publicize its activities, and provide sponsorship for its work. The American Friends is a registered Internal Revenue Service 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and contributions to it are tax-deductible.

WHO WE AREThe American Friends of the Three Choirs Festival encompass individuals from across America: singers, retirees, church musicians, educators, Choral Evensong enthusiasts and those who desire musical or spiritual renewal. Each of us shares a love of music, an appreciation of England, and a desire to meet like-minded individuals.

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WHERE THE MUSIC HAPPENSEach summer, one of the three cathedrals hosts the festival. Gloucester has its refined grace, Worcester its nobility, and Hereford its rose-hued intimacy. Each venue is, itself, a vital musical participant in the festival. American audiences delight in attending concerts in beautiful buildings that have served as cultural and musical centers for millennia. Additional venues, ranging from candlelit monastic spaces to grand Victorian shire halls, are equally interesting.

A COMMUNITYTRANSFORMED BY MUSIC

Each of the cathedral cities (Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford) possesses a rich musical heritage. Works of beloved English composers such as Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Holst and Parry are prominently featured during the festival.

Additionally, this annual event is eagerly anticipated by area councils and citizens. The atmosphere is reminiscent of ‘small town America’; visitors are warmly welcomed by the locals – people proud of their cathedrals, their musicians and their communities. Many transatlantic attendees find themselves renewing relationships with ‘festival friends’ each summer.

In the words of one American, ‘The music brought me here, but the people keep me coming back’.

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Opposite: Three Cathedral Choirs rehearsing in Worcester Cathedral

A WEEK OF RENEWALWhile extraordinary music is a festival mainstay, opportunities to experience England’s most beautiful counties also abound. The West Midlands region includes landscapes of emblematic beauty. Possibilities for tours and day trips are varied and returning to the cathedral for Choral Evensong (presented daily during the festival) provides a wonderful respite at day’s end.

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Three Choirs Festival concert in Gloucester Cathedral

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WHY MAKE THE TRIP TO THETHREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL?

American attendees tell us they love three things about the Three Choirs Festival: the music, the space in which it’s performed and the communities where the festival resides.

Musically, the festival offers audiences a sonically unique experience. Imagine hearing masterworks performed by the 250+ combined forces of the Three Cathedral Choirs of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford, the 150-voice Three Choirs Festival Chorus, soloists and the Philharmonia Orchestra (in residence for the week).

American symphonic subscribers may hear music of this magnitude every few years – each summer the Three Choirs Festival presents several of these concerts during one week.

In addition to large-scale choral and orchestral works, there are more than 50 other musical and cultural events during the festival. Daily Choral Evensongs, chamber music concerts, and organ recitals provide audiences with a variety of musical offerings.

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WHY JOIN THE THREE CHOIRS AMERICAN FRIENDS?

Priority ticketingTickets to festival concerts (especially larger evening events in the cathedral) sell out quickly. Membership of the American Friends assures you priority premium seating and enables you to purchase tickets in advance of sales to the general public.

AccommodationGiven the size of each cathedral city, finding suitable accommodation can be challenging. To assist overseas visitors, the festival staff has toured and vetted local, full-service hotels, finding medium priced venues that meet ‘3-star’ American standards. Accommodation is available to American Friends at a reduced group rate, and is inclusive of breakfast. Other meals can be purchased but often, people will dine adjacent to the cathedral where ample food and drink is available throughout the week.

Transport during festival weekThe festival will help organize daily transport (via coach) from the ‘Friends’ hotel to the cathedral and other concert venues, alleviating the need for private car hire or taxi.

Access to ‘invitation only’ eventsDuring the week, several receptions and events are held for those who support the festival. American Friends will receive invitations to the Festival Opening Reception, the Chairman’s Reception and informative talks given during festival week.

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Access to rehearsalsAmerican Friends will be provided with a badge that will permit them to observe festival musicians as they prepare for various concerts (admittance may be limited at times).

Access to American Friends’ liaisonDuring festival week, American Friends will have access to a designated liaison to assist with any needs that arise. This American liaison is familiar with each cathedral city, and works closely with festival staff.

Festival Program BookYou will receive a complimentary advance copy of the festival program book, a comprehensive 200+ page guide to the concerts, performers, venues, and composers featured during festival week.

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WHAT DOESMEMBERSHIP COST?

Single Membership $100 (Annually)Joint Membership $150 (Annually)

Won’t you join us for this summer’s Three Choirs Festival?

The American Friends are committed to encouraging others in the USA to attend all or part of this amazing musical week.

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Hereford Cathedral Close

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HOW DO I BECOME A THREE CHOIRS AMERICAN FRIEND?

Please contact:

Rich Arenschieldt Chairman, Three Choirs American FriendsE: rarenschieldt@aol.comT: (USA) 713.628.2958 Address: 1419 Montrose Blvd #405, Houston, TX 77019

Genie Dyke Head of Development, Three Choirs Festival E: genie.dyke@3choirs.orgT: (UK) 011 44 1452 768 933

The American Friends of the Three Choirs Festival is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization and is

eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with United State IRS Code section 170.

Three Choirs Festival, 7C College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX

Back cover: The Dream of Gerontius, Hereford Three Choirs Festival 2015 © Ash Mills

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