Join us for an enlightening journey back into musical history set in the oldest church in Leeds!
From Hildegard to Gibbons, this programme tracks how choral music developed across Europe through the Renaissance. The latest work was composed just ten years before St John’s Church was opened in 1634.
English Tudor masters William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons will feature alongside Italian, Spanish and Flemish composers. Two of the earliest known female composers, Hildegard and the Italian nun Raffaella Aleotti, also get to strut their stuff!
Starting at 4.30pm, the concert will be relaxed: you will be able to come and go, and to make the most of this rare chance to take in the superb interior of this ancient building. The church will be open all afternoon, including while we rehearse, so feel free to drop in and be curious!
Admission is free: you will be encouraged to donate to the Churches Conservation Trust who care for the building and to whom all proceeds will be given.
The concert will last about an hour.
St Peter’s Singers are passionate about the music we sing and want to share it with as many people as possible. We will do all we can to make anyone who comes to our concerts feel welcome and at ease. So if you’ve not tried this music out before, why not come along and bring a friend? St John’s is an accessible venue, albeit with no toilet facilities. Everyone is welcome.
Please note that while we make every effort to present the advertised programme, we cannot guarantee to do so or be held responsible if circumstances require a change.
St John’s Church can be accessed from the corner of Mark Lane and New Briggate (opposite the Grand Theatre), or from Merrion Street via Merrion Street Gardens. Care should be taken on the flagstones in damp or wet weather.
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Nearest railway station: Leeds (1 mile). Bus route numbers 12/13/13A/770/781.
Nearest car park: St. John’s Centre, Merrion Street.
St John’s is accessible to wheelchair users, who should use the Merrion Street Gardens entrance. There is a step up from the aisles into the pews, but there is room to accommodate wheelchairs at the rear of the church.
The nearest toilets are in the St. John’s Centre.
Free Donations are encouraged for Churches Conservation Trust
St Peter’s Singers and 18th Century Sinfonia perform Parts I-III of JS Bach’s glorious music for the Christmas season, complete with stunning trumpet fanfares, tender lullabies and a moment of pastoral tranquillity.
With 18th Century Sinfonia using historically informed performance skills on period instruments, this promises to be an evening of sparkling and joyful music-making, made perfect by the uplifting surroundings of Leeds Minster.
Sung in German, with online and printed English translations available.
St Peter’s Singers and Soloists 18th Century Sinfonia
Alexander Woodrow conductor
The 18th Century Sinfonia
The 18th Century Sinfonia is a versatile ensemble of specialist period instrumentalists. Since their foundation in 2001 they have accompanied numerous choral societies throughout the UK in performances of Handel Oratorios, Mozart Requiem, Bach B Minor Mass, Magnificat, St John and St Matthew Passions etc. On Good Friday, 18th April 2025, the 18th Century Sinfonia performed the new edition of Handel’s Brockes Passion in Nottingham Parish Church.
The principal players of the 18th Century Sinfonia also meet to comprise the 18th Century Concert Orchestra, whose performances combine period instruments, readings, candlelight and sumptuous 18th century costume in uniquely atmospheric recreations of 18th century musical life.
Welcome
St Peter’s Singers are passionate about the music we sing and want to share it with as many people as possible. We will do all we can to make anyone who comes to our concerts feel welcome and at ease. So if you’ve not tried this music out before, why not come along and bring a friend? Leeds Minster is an accessible venue with good facilities. Everyone is welcome. What to expect at a St Peter’s Singers concert.
Leeds Minster is about 5 minutes walk from Leeds Bus Station, and about 15 minutes walk from Leeds Railway Station. There is on-street parking on the side streets nearby, as well as the NCP Markets carpark (5 minutes) and the John Lewis carpark (10 minutes).
There is ramp access to the main doors beneath the tower, with entrance to the grounds at the West End by the Lamb and Flag pub recommended to avoid the steps up from the street level. Once inside there there is step-free access to the concert seating and to the City of Leeds Room for refreshments and toilets. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are welcome and can be accommodated.
