Gregoriana at Dorchester Abbey

Join the Churches Conservation Trust and the Friends of St Bartholomew’s on 4 December for a festive evening at Dorchester Abbey.

Join us from 19:00 and take in the breathtaking surroundings of Dorchester Abbey and enjoy a glass of wine before listening to a performance from the Gregoriana choir. 

Directed by Julien Chilcott-Monk, Gregoriana specialise in Sacred Choral music from the middle of the first Millennium to the high Renaissance and beyond. Gregoriana will be taking us on a musical journey from the 4th Century, from Plainchant to Polyphony. This will give a musical exposition of the journey from the chant of St Ambrose's day to the modern motet, calling at St Gregory's Rome, the musical centres of the 10th century, the world of St Hildegard, Fountains Abbey and Worcester, and so on. The performance will specially include two troped antiphons for St Birinus.

This celebratory occasion not only offers the opportunity to come together in festive cheer, but is also being hosted to raised vital funds for CCT’s nearby St Bartholomew’s Church in Lower Basildon. 

Recently the nave roof, featuring internal exposed timbers, has come to the end of its lifespan. The battens have rotted, and the clay plain roof tiles have started to slip leaving the building fabric vulnerable to wind and water. The condition of the roof left the church fabric and its treasured memorials vulnerable to significant damage and decay. 

“St Bartholomew's is a treasured church of national significant interest and held in especially high regard by the local people. It sits proudly as one of the most beautiful rural churches of its time and it transports visitors and worshippers alike, to a place of serenity and peace. Securing its future through the repair of the roof would be a significant achievement for the Churches Conservation Trusts and as the active Anglican parish in which St. Bartholomew’s is situated, we will do everything we can to support the restoration efforts.” 

Reverend Grant Fensome, Incumbent for Lower & Upper Basildon and its surrounding villages.

We are proud to be collaborating with Gregoriana to host this festive and impactful event in order to raise urgent funds to save St Bartholomew’s. Join us on 4 December and help us secure the future of this striking church. 

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the vital roof repairs at St Bartholomew’s. Tickets start from just £17.50 and include a glass of wine, with CCT Members enjoying an exclusive discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased on this web page, or by phoning the Fundraising team on 0800 206 1463.