Salisbury Cathedral Choir to premiere new anthem

Thursday, 2 July 2026 13:16

Boy choristers in the quire (Image: Finnbarr Webster)

A new anthem by Cheryl Frances-Hoad will be premiered on Sunday, 5 July, during Evensong at 4.30 pm.

Commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral as part of their yearlong theme of Joyful Noise, the words are taken from Psalm 100, where the phrase ‘joyful noise’ originates. The service will be sung by the Boys' Cathedral Choir and the Lay Vicars.

Named Jubilate Deo, which directly translates to "O be joyful in the Lord”, the piece is unaccompanied and is said to be a light, upbeat setting and has a contemporary feel.

David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Cheryl Frances‑Hoad on this new commission. Jubilate Deo is a vibrant, uplifting anthem that captures the energy of the choir and the spirit of cathedral music. We are delighted to be giving it its first performance and to add Cheryl’s composition to our growing repertoire.”

Admired for her originality, fluency and professionalism, Cheryl Frances-Hoad has been composing to commission since she was fifteen. Classical tradition (she trained as a cellist and pianist at the Menuhin School before going on to Cambridge and King's College, London), along with diverse contemporary inspirations including literature, painting and dance, have contributed to a creative presence provocatively her own.

"Intricate in argument, sometimes impassioned, sometimes mercurial, always compelling in its authority" (Robin Holloway, The Spectator), her output - widely premiered, broadcast and commercially recorded, reaching audiences from the Proms to outreach workshops - addresses all genres from opera, ballet and concerto to song, choral, chamber and solo music.

The music of Cheryl Frances-Hoad is published by Chester Music Limited, part of Wise Music Group.

All are welcome to worship at Salisbury Cathedral. Evensong on Sunday 5 July begins at 4.30 pm.