O For a Thousand Tongues: Celebrating ‘The Musical Wesleys’ (Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts)

Sacred Arts Festival Singers, director Calum Robertson, organist Max Carsley, with a brass ensemble from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

April 19 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-76). One of the most influential composers of English sacred music, S S Wesley was the third generation to make an enduring contribution to church music, being the grandson of Charles Wesley (1707-88) the prolific hymnwriter, and the son of Samuel Wesley (1766-1837) composer and organist. This celebration of ‘the musical Wesleys’ rich legacy includes three commissioned pieces newly composed in their honour by Giles Longstaff, Magnus Graham and Christian Wong, the winners of the 2025 young composers’ competition.

Generously supported by the CHURCH HYMNARY TRUST, with commissions funded by the SCOPS TRUST

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