Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms inspires a Psalm for Chichester – a major new musical commission to mark the cathedral’s 950th anniversary year.
Chichester Cathedral will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with a concert unveiling a major new music commission to mark Chichester950 – the year-long celebrations marking the Cathedral’s 950th year.
60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms
Together in Unity on Saturday 17th May will feature a special performance of Chichester Psalms, originally commissioned in 1965 by then Dean of Chichester, Walter Hussey.
Bernstein’s masterpiece, composed for the Southern Cathedrals Festival, will be performed by the Cathedral Choir and will be attended by Leonard Bernstein’s son, Alexander Bernstein as guest of honour who will unveil a memorial plaque for his father within the Cathedral Quarter.
Alexander visited Chichester with his parents and sister in July 1965, to attend the first performance in the Cathedral of Chichester Psalms and said:
“My sister Jamie and I tagged along to Chichester for the performance in the Cathedral. I was 10, she was 13. We remember the wonderful Dean Hussey and hearing the piece in that magnificent building. What a glorious sound there was that evening in the Cathedral from the chorus, orchestra, and soprano!”
As well as marking this important anniversary, the concert will also premiere a newly commissioned piece of work by acclaimed British composer Joanna Marsh.
Hailed by The Guardian as “one of today’s leading composers for the voice,” Marsh has created a piece inspired by Psalm 90 (‘Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity’) and called it A Psalm for Chichester.
This is one of the most significant musical commissions for the Cathedral in 60 years and underscores its commitment to sustaining choral music for future generations.
Joanna Marsh said,
“I am delighted to have been commissioned by Chichester Cathedral for this landmark concert. To have my work premiered in this historic space, alongside Bernstein’s work, is a true honour.
‘The Cathedral’s choral tradition is extraordinary and to contribute to its 950-year legacy is deeply meaningful to me.
‘My setting of Psalm 90 has been commissioned as a partner piece to Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. Often described as one of the most philosophical and cosmic of the psalms, Psalm 90 reflects on the vastness of divine eternity in contrast to human mortality and fleeting existence. This subject matter naturally invites broader phrasing, slower-building textures, and expansive harmonies, offering a distinct contrast to Bernstein’s dancelike energy.
‘While Chichester Psalms is beloved in both concert and cathedral festival settings, this new work will be equally at home in both, providing choirs with a learnable yet deeply expressive counterpart for the same instrumentation of organ, harp and percussion. Given the nature of the commission, the title of the work will be A Psalm for Chichester.”
As part of its commitment to secure the future of its choir and music, the Cathedral has launched the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music and is seeking to raise £5 million. Thanks to the generosity of a number of anonymous donors, all donations received over the next year will receive match funding, up to a total of £950,000.
Together in Unity is a key moment in a year of extraordinary music at Chichester Cathedral, with further highlights including:
A second new commission by Judith Bingham, premiering at the Ecumenical Patriarchal Conference in June, making 2025 the most significant year for new music at the Cathedral since Chichester Psalms.
John Rutter’s 80th Birthday Gala in October, featuring Sir John Rutter conducting some of his most beloved works.
Chichester Cathedral is grateful to its sponsors, including headline sponsors Henry Adams and Stagecoach, for their generous support in celebrating this landmark year. Their contribution helps bring to life a vibrant programme of events throughout 2025, marking 950 years of history, community, and culture at the heart of Chichester.
Tickets for Together in Unity can be purchased online here.
Photos: Leonard Bernstein by Paul de Hueck, eonard Bernstein at the piano. Courtesy of the Leonard Bernstein Office
