Music in Portsmouth

10/06/2026

Don't miss the second in this wonderful series of free lunchtime recitals tomorrow! Handel & Howells, Spohr & Cocker on the menu.

09/06/2026

The Renaissance Choir is celebrating a major milestone this summer with two special 50th anniversary concerts, taking place in Southsea on 11 July and Boxgrove on 18 July 2026. These performances will showcase some of the choir’s favourite works from across its rich history, while also marking the final concerts conducted by Peter Gambie after 34 years as Music Director.

In Southsea, we include Allegri’s scintillating Miserere Mei, with its famous soaring soprano solo. As a contrast, we’ll perform Sir James MacMillan’s Miserere, widely considered as one of the most challenging choral works. There’s also the chance to hear the choir’s anniversary commission, Schofield’s Songs of Hope. The gentle music of Eric Whitacre sits alongside one of William Byrd’s greatest pieces, Ne Irascaris. Homage is paid to Victoria’s great Officium defunctorum mass. John Cage gets a look-in too, with a Zen-inspired work of inner peace.

In Boxgrove there’s Poulenc’s Gloria, accompanied by Karen Kingsley on piano, alongside MacMillan’s Miserere, Byrd’s Ne Irascaris and Laudibus in Sanctis, and Bach’s Komm, Jesu, Komm.

Set within the stunning acoustics of two beautiful historic churches, these concerts celebrate 50 years of musical excellence, creativity and community. Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful choral music, reflection, hope and celebration.

7.30 pm, Saturday 11 July 2026, Church of the Holy Spirit, Southsea, PO4 0DY and
7.30 pm, Saturday 18 July 2026, Boxgrove Priory Church, PO18 0EE.

Full price tickets are £18 until the Saturday evening before each concert, then £20. Children/students pay £3. Further info, including preview notes and tickets, from https://renaissancechoir.org.uk.

09/06/2026

A memorable evening in Portsmouth’s Menuhin Room on Saturday 6 June saw Kate Burrows and Helen Morris deliver a richly varied programme spanning Schubert, Fauré, Chopin, Rachmaninov and Ravel. Schubert’s Fantasie in F minor revealed drama, energy and grandeur beyond its reputation for melancholy, while solo performances of Fauré’s Nocturne and Chopin’s Ballade No. 4 offered contrasting journeys from serenity to emotional turbulence. Rachmaninov’s Vocalise and Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro sustained an atmosphere of lyrical beauty and absorption. The concert also celebrated Andrew McVittie’s contribution to the series, ending with a heartfelt presentation to him.
https://southernclassical.co.uk/2026/06/09/kate-burrows-helen-morris-at-the-menuhin-room

08/06/2026

The Barber of Seville is coming to Churcher's College, Petersfield, on Sunday 28 June at 7pm, courtesy of New Arts Opera. Scheming, swagger and stupendous singing - just as it should be. Its hilarious and innovative, fully staged production is sung in English and accompanied by the Phoenix Ensemble.
See https://www.new-arts.co.uk/new-page
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/newarts

08/06/2026