St Edmundsbury Cathedral will host ‘An Evening of Solidarity’ on Wednesday 9 March at 6.30 pm. This event will offer music, poetry and prayers for peace in Ukraine.

Joining members of the Cathedral Choirs will be Players from Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra, Bury Bach Choir and the Connaught Brass at Britten Pears Arts, Snape Maltings, Abbeygate Sixth Form College and County Upper School.

Connaught Brass will begin the evening with Fanfare for St Edmundsbury composed by Benjamin Brittan. The Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra contribution will consist of special guests Anna Noakes, flute, Roger Chase, viola and Hugh Webb, harp. They will play from Debussy’s The Sonate for Flute, Viola and Harp. The Bury Bach Choir will offer chorales from J.S. Bach’s St John Passion.

The Dean, Joe Hawes, said “Amid the horror and helplessness we feel as we watch war unfolding in the invasion of Ukraine, there are some responses which are possible; we can stand in solidarity, we can pray and we help in practical ways. Next Wednesday’s Vigil for Ukraine will bring together musicians and choirs from around the county to play, sing, stand in witness and raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Ukraine. Everyone is welcome to join us in prayer and witness to our longing for peace and our rejection of the invasion.”

A collection will follow the service and donations will be made through the Disasters Emergency Committee. The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response.

The Lord Lieutenant and The Rt Revd Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich will be in attendance.

All are welcome to join us.

During Lent, Evensongs on Thursdays at 5.30 pm will be focused on the ongoing crisis in Europe and include special prayers for peace. There will also be a dedicated area in the Cathedral for those who wish to light a candle specifically for our friends in Ukraine.