Support the Commissioning Circle

The festival has a rich tradition of commissioning and premiering works by outstanding composers of the time, including Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, Elgar’s Light of Life, and Howells’ Hymnus Paradisi, and this tradition continues today thanks to the generous support of the Commissioning Circle. Members of the Circle enjoy a variety of attractive benefits according to the level of support, detailed below. The Commissioning Circle supported Richard Blackford’s haunting and moving narrative cantata The Black Lake at last year's Hereford Festival.

If you would like more information about joining the Commissioning Circle and supporting exciting new works, please contact Robert Convey.

Donation Benefits

Donations of £50+

You will receive exclusive e-mail updates as the Composer in Residence initiative develops
Your name will appear in the Souvenir Programme Book, listed as a supporter and member of the Commissioning Circle
You will be invited to hear rehearsals of new works

Donations of £100+

All benefits set out above as well as:
The opportunity to experience history in the making with priority booking for any concerts featuring new music at Gloucester 2026

Donations £1000+

All benefits set out above as well as:
An invitation to meet our associate composer(s) at a private reception during the festival

£50£100£1000£3000

Commissioning Circle Members for 2025

Peter Beesley, Joan Bennett, Enid Castle, William Coulthard, David & Susan Coulton, Mr & Mrs Terence Dryburgh, Mr & Mrs Anthony Jeans, Robert Jones, John & Sheila Malin, Revd Canon Ian Macrae Michael, Graham Muncy, Mark Napier, Jean Ostler, Huw Rhydderch, David Russell, Angela Thomson, Mike Penn & Gareth Williams