Written in 1604, John Dowland’s Lachrimae weaves a world where dance and lament entwine: seven deeply expressive pavans of tears spun from four descending notes, followed by dances dedicated to heroes, friends, and pirates. Performed here by Phantasm – the award-winning viol consort whose 2017 recording of Lachrimae won both a Gramophone Award and the Diapason d’or de l’Année.

Music has played a central role in the life of Christ Church throughout its history, not least thanks to the work of its world-famous choir established in 1526 with John Taverner as the first Organist and Master of the Choristers. Our festival celebrates the music and musicians who have played and continue to play a role in the life of the College, Cathedral, City and beyond.