THE cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester come together on Saturday, June 20, to sing Choral Evensong in Hereford Cathedral as part of their preparations for the Three Choirs Festival.

The service will include the world premiere of a new setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis by Bob Chilcott, who has been described by Gramophone magazine as ‘one of the finest choral composers at work in Britain today.’

"It’s always very exciting to give the first performance of a work," said Geraint Bowen, director of music at the cathedral and artistic director of the festival, "and I’m sure that this new Magnificat and Nunc dimittis will be a really interesting challenge for the choirs.

"Bob Chilcott was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge and went on to spend several years as a member of the world-famous King’s Singers, so he knows how to write effectively for choirs."

The piece, which is supported by the Frank Clarke-Whitfeld Trust and Clare Wichbold, will also be performed on BBC Radio 3 as part of a live broadcast of Choral Evensong from the festival on Wednesday, July 29 at 3.30 pm.

The service on Saturday, June 20 begins at 5.30pm. All are welcome.

For full details of all the concerts, other events and services taking place during the festival, please see the Three Choirs website, 3choirs.org