St Peter’s Singers bring Brahms’ masterpiece to Leeds Minster this Good Friday
This Easter, one of the region's most renowned choral ensembles invites Leeds audiences to a performance defined by comfort, hope, and harmony.
The St Peter’s Singers will perform Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem within the majestic setting of Leeds Minster this Good Friday, bringing a performance of the classical work that speaks ‘directly to the human spirit.’
Unlike a traditional Latin Requiem, Brahms’ work was envisioned as a ‘Human Requiem,’ intended to console the living rather than mourn the dead. As it moves from quiet reflection to passages of uplifting grandeur, the work is noted for its emotional clarity.
For those new to classical music, the performance will be further enhanced by full English translations, ensuring the message of reassurance and peace is accessible to all.
The evening is set to open with a selection of motets by Brahms and his fellow Romantic-era heavyweights, Felix Mendelssohn and Anton Bruckner.
From the intense longing of Brahms’ ‘Warum ist das Licht gegeben’ to the serene prayer of Mendelssohn’s ‘Verleih uns Frieden,’ these pieces provide an intimate, reflective prelude to the main event.
The soaring nave of Leeds Minster provides a transformative atmosphere for the performance. The St Peter’s Singers will be joined by the professional National Festival Orchestra and two distinguished soloists.
A former member of the BBC Singers with a stellar operatic career, Helen Winter’s (Soprano) impressive resume includes roles with Scottish Opera and a starring turn in the West End’s The Sound of Music LIVE.
Quentin Brown has been a mainstay of the Leeds musical scene and a former member of the BBC Northern Singers. Quentin has a lifelong association with the Minster and a vast repertoire spanning from Bach to Vaughan Williams.
The performance will be conducted by Alexander Woodrow, director of Music at Leeds Minster and has served as the Conductor of St Peter’s Singers since 2021 and the youngest cathedral organist in the country during his tenure at Bradford Cathedral.
Where can I get tickets to see the St Peter’s Singers at Leeds Minster during Easter?
The performance is due to be held on Good Friday (April 3) at Leeds Minster from 7pm.
Tickets are available now through the St Peter’s Singers’ website, priced at £20; however, those under-18 or full-time students will be able to enter for free.