The course, which runs across three Saturdays in January, February, and March 2026, is designed to nurture both beginners and experienced singers. Participants are divided into groups based on experience, ensuring everyone receives tailored instruction. Under the expert guidance of Music Director Dominic Bevan—a graduate of the Royal College of Music and a renowned leader in sacred music—the course explores the history, notation, and expressive power of Gregorian chant. The workshops culminate in a public Mass at 3pm, where all are welcome to experience the chants in their authentic liturgical context.

Feedback from the first session was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing excitement for the remaining workshops. The course not only aims to teach the art of chant but also to empower choir directors and musicians to become confident chant leaders in their communities. As anticipation builds for the next sessions on 14 February and 14 March, Portsmouth stands as a beacon for those seeking to reconnect with the spiritual and musical heritage of the Church.

Mark your calendar:

Saturday 14 February 2026, 3pm, St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3HG

Saturday 14 March 2026, 3pm, St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way,
Portsmouth PO1 3H

Link to: PDF of Flyer: PortsmGregChant-Flyer-MASS-14-Feb-and-Mar

Dominican Prior Joins Expert Team for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026

Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is proud to announce the addition of Father Matthew Jarvis OP, Prior of St Dominic’s Priory (the Rosary Shrine), London, to its distinguished teaching team. As a preacher and author, Father Matthew brings exceptional expertise in both Gregorian and Dominican Chant, enriching the course’s unique blend of musical mastery and spiritual depth.

Joining forces with Benedictine liturgist Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB and Course Director Dominic Bevin, Father Matthew will participate in the 3^rd workshop of the 3-part course to guide participants through the theory, history, and expressive practice of Chant. The course, held at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, features three one-day workshops on the second Saturdays of January (10th), February (14th), and March (14th) 2026. Open to all—beginners and experienced singers alike—this is a rare opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field.

In his response to the news, Father Matthew said, “I am delighted and honoured to join the teaching team for the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026. This initiative, held at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, brings together a distinguished group of experts and passionate learners, united by a love for the timeless art of Gregorian Chant. Alongside Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB and Course Director Dominic Bevan, I look forward to guiding participants through the rich history, theory, and expressive practice of Chant from my own Dominican tradition within the wider family of Gregorian Chant. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of sacred music. I am grateful to Neville McNally and the organising team for their warm welcome, and I eagerly anticipate sharing this journey with all who attend.”

Course organiser Neville McNally expresses deep gratitude to Father Matthew for his commitment and looks forward to welcoming him in March 2026.

Registration is now open. Secure your place and experience the timeless art of Gregorian Chant.
For details and registration, visit https://PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com or follow https://x.com/portsmgregchant on X (Twitter).

Press Contact:
Mobile: 07424 371938
Email: portsmouthchantcourse@gmail.com
Website: PortsmouthGregorianChant.blogspot.com

With a lifelong familiarity with Gregorian Chant, Abbot Xavier is not only a distinguished liturgist and scholar, but also an accomplished teacher of theology. His years as a monk have seen him pray Gregorian Chant daily, making it his spiritual sustenance and infusing his teaching with authenticity and devotion. As a result, he is uniquely equipped to guide participants into the very heart of Gregorian Chant – its role as prayer and spiritual practice.

Reflecting on his forthcoming involvement in delivering the Course, Abbot Xavier said:

“It is a great joy and privilege to be joining the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course in 2026. I am delighted to share the beauty and depth of Gregorian Chant with all who attend. I warmly encourage anyone with a love for music or a desire to deepen their spiritual journey to take part in this wonderful opportunity to sing, learn, and pray together in harmony.”

The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026, held at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, offers three one-day workshops scheduled for the second Saturday of January (10/01/2026), February (14/02/2026), and March (14/03/2026). Whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer, this unique opportunity covers the practical interpretation of Gregorian Chant, as well as its history and liturgical and expressive dimensions. With the addition of Abbot Xavier to the teaching team, participants can look forward to an even richer experience, blending expert musical instruction with profound spiritual insight.

Registration is now open. Music lovers, singers, and spiritual seekers are invited to secure their place and embrace the timeless art of Gregorian Chant under the guidance of leading experts.

Expression of Appreciation Neville McNally, the course organiser, wishes to express his deep appreciation to Abbot Xavier for his generous commitment and the wealth of knowledge and experience that he will bring to the course. He looks forward to welcoming the Abbot to the course in January.

How to Register For more information and to register, visit https://portsmouthgregorianchant.blogspot.com or follow @portsmgregchant on X (Twitter).

Contact: For press inquiries, please contact: Mobile: 07424 371938 Email: portsmouthchantcourse@gmail.com Website: https://portsmouthgregorianchant.blogspot.com