The Lark Ascending by English Chamber Orchestra, with support from CultureDale, North Halifax Grammar School, and Calderdale Music.‍

‍Programme to include:

• ‍‍Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite
• ‍Elgar Serenade for Strings
• ‍Holst St Paul's Suite
• ‍Vaughan Williams (arr. Gerigk) The Lark Ascending‍

‍Featuring:

• ‍‍English Chamber Orchestra
• North Halifax Grammar Ensemble
• Ofer Falk (violin)

Sunday 15 June 2025, 7:30pm at Halifax Minster (doors at 7pm)

Book your ticket via Ticketsource: £30 or £22 for people in full-time education (both prices inclusive of £2 booking fee).

What makes The Lark Ascending so special?

Vaughan Williams’ beautiful music captures not only the picture but the emotion of watching a lark take to the sky in a green and rolling countryside. It has been regularly voted the best and most enduring piece of all classical works, yet compresses all if its emotional journey into just 15 minutes. Musicians love to play it too.

Here’s the violinist Jennifer Pyke describing her experience of performing Lark in 2019.  

“It’s got the folk element, it’s got beautiful melodies, the poem is such a beautiful one by George Meredith. And the way Vaughan Williams creates these images of the lark with music is incredible. It’s nostalgic as well with the backdrop of World War One. It’s this kind of snapshot of the beautiful countryside and my hairs stand up just listening to the piece and playing it.” When playing it live, Pike added, “You feel this atmosphere in the hall… it’s almost like being in meditation.  I can’t describe how special it is to play it.”

Bringing the English Chamber Orchestra to Calderdale

This is the first time ECO will play at Halifax Minster. While its regular home is Cadogan Hall in London, the ECO has played in more countries, and been recorded more often, than any other chamber orchestra in the world. With a strong commitment to English music, the ECO played the premieres of several operas by Benjamin Britten, and has a long history of performing the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams (as well as Mozart, Schumann and many other great composers). The group played at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the King recently reconfirmed his position as the ECO’s patron. While they are with us, the ECO musicians will also be working with several of our schools, helping children find their own love of music. 

Why you should come to a concert at the Minster

The wooden ceiling extending throughout the space gives Halifax Minster a uniquely warm and intimate acoustic sound. Over recent years the Minster has become beloved of folk royalty such as Eliza Carthy, through to choral and opera performers, and of course brass (the venue is in high demand by Black Dyke band, probably the world’s leading brass band).

Heritage Open Days describes the Minster itself as a stunning 15th Century Grade 1 listed Parish Church, rich in history, heritage, spirituality and architecture. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass, the simple elegance of the Commonwealth Windows, the craftsmanship of the ornate font cover, the box pews, 'Mousey' Thompson chairs and stunning painted wooden ceiling.