Bradford Cathedral has announced an ambitious 2019 programme of concerts by international musicians, talks by renowned speakers, events and exhibitions to mark the centenary of the creation of the Diocese of Bradford and the designation of the former parish church of St Peter’s Bradford as Bradford Cathedral in 1919.
The Cathedral's series of coffee concerts, Tuesdays at Eleven, continues with flamenco guitarist, Galina Vale (February 12), pianist Katie Colbrook (March 12), and soprano Elizabeth Charlesworth (April 9).
Bradford Council's Chamber Music concerts held at the Cathedral include performances by violinist Tasmin Little (pictured) (January 18), pianist George Todica (February 22), the Pelleas Ensemble (March 15), and international clarinettist, Emma Johnson, pictured (April 12), and there will also be an extra concert by the European Union Chamber Orchestra and the Cathedral Choir on February 1.
Visitors will also include the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, leading the Annual Legal Service on February 3, Judge Laurence Saffer who will give the Holocaust Memorial Day Address on January 27, and celebrated carol composer and arranger, John Rutter (pictured) who will lead a singing day at the Cathedral on March 30.
Exhibitions include ’Counter-Flow’ by Eva Mileusnic, an installation of 100 pairs of slip cast porcelain feet representing migrants which runs from January 6 until April 6; ‘Extraordinary Drawers!’, a photographic exhibition of insights into everyday life on show from February 8 until March 3; and ‘Stations of Lament’, an interactive textile prayer pilgrimage from March 6 until April 21.
Guest speakers will also be visiting the Cathedral, beginning with the Bishop of Leeds (and a former Bishop of Bradford), the Rt Revd Nick Baines, who will give the Epiphany Address on January 6 – ‘Going back a different way – being Christian in a populist world.’ Anne-Marie Canning MBE, Director of Social Mobility at Kings College London will speak on the subject ‘Flourishing City’ on March 11, and the former Bishop of Oxford, Rt Revd John Pritchard will lead the Cathedral's Lent Course, speaking on March 13, 20 and 27th.
The Cathedral will also have a 'poet in residence' throughout the centenary year. Diane Pacitti has been commissioned to produce a collection of poems based on the city and cathedral.
The Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Jerry Lepine writes in a forward to the Centenary Programme. “On Tuesday 25th November 1919 King George V decreed that the parish church of St Peter Bradford was to become one of England’s parish cathedrals, as the new Diocese of Bradford was formed out of the ancient see of Ripon. Today we are still in the newest diocese in the Church of England, now the Diocese of Leeds, which includes three cathedrals at Bradford, Ripon and Wakefield.
“This year we shall be celebrating the Centenary with a programme emphasising faith, heritage, music, the arts and partnership.
“It is perhaps worth reflecting on the last century. It has been a traumatic time in Europe, Bradford has changed hugely and faced new challenges as well. The Christian church is in a very different place than in 1919. Ponder the social, economic and lifestyle changes. It leaves you breathless.
“As Christians we are called to make our witness to God and serve our community, just as previous generations have done. Let us pray that this year will not only be a great celebration for this deeply loved cathedral but also a time for spiritual renewal. I encourage you to make the most of this special year’s events and invite others along to join with us.”
To see the full Bradford Centenary Programme download here .