An evening with Rachel Portman: From film scores to choral music

Join Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman at Chichester Cathedral for an evening of conversation and performance exploring the stories behind some of her most loved music.

Event details

Tickets
£20, £45, £55
Date
Saturday 21 November 2026, 19:00
Venue
Chichester Cathedral
Availability
Public Booking opens Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 11:00

Rachel Portman has created some of the most memorable film music of recent decades. From the Oscar-winning score for Emma to much-loved films including Chocolat, The Cider House Rules, The Duchess and One Day, her music has helped shape the emotions and memories of audiences around the world.

The evening begins with Rachel sharing stories from her career and exploring the creative process behind her film scores. In conversation with Julian Biggs and accompanied by clips from some of the films she has worked on, Rachel will reveal the stories and inspiration behind the music. She will also play the piano, bringing her music and creative process to life in the Cathedral.

The second half moves from the screen to live performance as the Chichester Cathedral Choir performs a selection of Rachel’s choral works alongside complementary repertoire.

Rachel’s work continues to connect film, classical and choral audiences. Her recent choral compositions include The Gathering Tree, performed at the BBC Proms’ Last Night of the Proms, and The Darkling Thrush, premiered at King’s College, Cambridge.

By joining us for this special evening, you are also helping to support the future of music at Chichester Cathedral. Funds raised will contribute to the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, helping sustain the Cathedral Choir, choristers, Organ Scholars and wider music programme for generations to come. 

Come and spend an evening with one of Britain’s most celebrated composers, discovering the stories behind her music in the inspiring surroundings of Chichester Cathedral.

Support music at Chichester Cathedral

This fundraising event supports the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, helping secure the future of our choral tradition for generations to come.

FAQs

What facilities are at the Cathedral?
  • Toilet facilities are available in the Cathedral (including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).
  • Ramps throughout the Cathedral allow step-free access.
  • A bar will be available in the Cathedral serving pre-concert and interval drinks
  • Food and drink is available for eat-in or takeaway from Cloisters Kitchen & Garden (open daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm).
How do I get to the Cathedral?
  • The Cathedral is in the heart of Chichester, close to the Market Cross, the centrepoint of the City’s main pedestrianised shopping streets. The Cathedral’s postcode is PO19 1RP.
  • By car, approach from the M27 (A27) and turn northwards at one of the bypass roundabouts following signs for the city centre. Visitors arriving by car should aim for one of the many public car parks around the City.
  • The Cathedral is less than a 10 minute walk from Chichester’s Train Station, and is opposite a bus stop.
Is the Cathedral accessible?
General Access

Level access into the Cathedral is available through the South West Door, which is marked 40 on the Cathedral Plan.

Within the Cathedral and the Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access. The Cathedral has three wheelchairs which may be used, free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis. 


Toilets

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury(including an accessible toilet with changing facilities).


Parking

There are a limited number of Accessible parking spaces situated on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street. These spaces can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a blue badge. 

For further information on Accessible parking in Chichester please click here.


Dogs

Only Guide, Therapy and Assistance Dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for events.


If you are planning a visit to the Cathedral and have any questions regarding access please contact us, 01243 782595 or info@chichestercathedral.org.uk

Can you help with my ticket?

If you have a query with your booking, please contact TicketSource on 0333 666 4466 (option 1).

 

Please note: There are no refunds or exchanges.