Elgar The Apostles

About the Concert Programme

This is a truly magnificent oratorio. Majestic and triumphant, dark and dramatic, tender and lyrical; yet, remarkably, The Apostles, one of Elgar’s great choral masterpieces, is not frequently performed. Why?

Because it is wonderfully ambitious! The sheer scale of the work demands an impressive musical force: a large and accomplished choir, a professional symphony orchestra and six talented soloists. It also calls for a space capable of embracing Elgar’s richly coloured orchestration: from warm, luminous strings and expressive woodwind to powerful brass and dramatic percussion, alongside the full grandeur of the chorus.

And what better setting could there be than…Salisbury Cathedral?

Elgar was fascinated by the idea that the Apostles were not just biblical figures; he felt that they should be viewed instead, like you and me, as just ordinary people. They were full of hopes, fears, doubts, weaknesses and conflicting personalities who suddenly found themselves at the centre of extraordinary events.

One of the strengths of this choral work is there is a genuine narrative arc. Starting with the calling of the apostles; then their sense of expectation and growing belief; Jesus’s teaching and ministry; then the betrayal of Judas and the Crucifixion. It ends with the Resurrection and the apostles’ transformation.

At the heart of this oratorio are two very different journeys: Mary Magdalene finds forgiveness, while Judas cannot believe that forgiveness is possible. Elgar’s portrayal of Judas is one of the most psychologically complex and compelling aspects of the work. He is presented not simply as a figure of evil, but as a deeply conflicted, passionate and ultimately tragic human being.

Elgar’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene is one of the most tender and deeply human elements of the work. She is a flawed human being, yet her encounter with Jesus profoundly transforms her. Through music of great warmth, lyricism and emotional intensity, Elgar portrays her journey from a life of worldly passion towards love, repentance and spiritual renewal.

Join Salisbury Musical Society for this rare opportunity to experience Elgar’s The Apostles in a glorious cathedral setting that will bring Elgar’s masterpiece vividly to life.

Tickets for this concert go on public sale on 25 August 2026.

Before buying tickets, please read this.

If you are using a mobile phone, you will find it much easier in landscape format. You can expand the seating chart or drag it around to see any seats you want. After you have selected your seats and paid, please wait to be returned to the confirmation page on our website. Here you will see a heading Tickets and below that a download link. You may print the tickets or display them on your mobile device. You will also receive emails to acknowledge and confirm your booking, and these also have download links.

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Price guide

Nave front £40, nave rear £25, sides of stage £20, side aisles (unreserved, restricted view) £10. Wheelchair users and their carers £10. Users of motorised disability scooters should contact the ticketing manager (07901 717819) for guidance on ticket purchase.

Concessions for students with ID, and children

Accompanied under 18s and students with ID can claim a 50% discount for rear nave seats. This is limited to one discounted seat for each full price seat. Please use discount code Nov2026-junior at the shopping basket.

Dress Code

Relax, the cathedral might look like a formal setting, but there is no need for the audience to reflect that. Casual dress is fine.

For help with buying tickets online, please email our Box Office manager or telephone 07901 717819.