The Power of Music
Music at Lichfield Cathedral
Something happens when you step inside Lichfield Cathedral and hear music fill the space. The stone seems to breathe. The noise of the day falls quiet.
Daily life at Lichfield Cathedral has had music at its heart for centuries.
Music at Lichfield Cathedral isn't just about preserving musical tradition - our daily worship lifts us out of the everyday, grounds us in something larger than ourselves and offers the healing power of music to all who visit, irrespective of belief.
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
Plato
Join Us for Evensong
A 45-minute sung service, held most evenings and free to all. No prior knowledge needed, just come and sit. Evensong combines centuries of choral music and ancient texts with the Cathedral's extraordinary acoustics. For generations people have known what is now backed-up by science: live choral music lowers stress hormones, lifts mood and quietens the mind. Whether you're a regular worshipper or simply curious, Evensong is one of the most quietly powerful things you can do at the end of your day.
Organ Recitals
Experience the power of the Cathedral organ at the hands (and feet) of some of the country's finest musicians. The 2026 recital series runs on selected Tuesday evenings at 19:30, featuring performers including Victoria Ulriksen, Anne Page of the Royal Academy of Music, and David Pipe of Huddersfield Town Hall. There's also a free Family Organ Matinee on Saturday 25 April, a 40-minute programme of organ favourites for all ages.
Music for Reflection
Every Tuesday at 11:30am (21 July - 1 September) , we host around 40 minutes of live music (free to attend, with a retiring collection). This summer's programme features outstanding organists and chamber musicians in popular and accessible repertoire, including performances from Christopher Herrick, Robert Webb and Fran Ambrose. Whether you're a regular visitor or stepping in off the street, it's a genuinely lovely way to pause, breathe and let music do its work.
The Hill Organ
One of England's most celebrated cathedral organs, our instrument has been evolving since 1861 - rebuilt and enlarged by generations of master craftsmen, most recently by Harrison and Harrison in 2000. Today it stands at 80 speaking stops and 5,038 pipes, its voice capable of filling every corner of this vast space with equal authority and delicacy. To hear it played well here is to understand why Bach called music "an agreeable harmony for the honour of God and the permissible delights of the soul."
Live Music Events
From chamber recitals to concerts, Lichfield Cathedral's events and music programme brings world-class live music into one of the Midlands' most spectacular acoustic spaces. Whatever your taste or experience of music, there is something for you.
Come and hear for yourself.