We are delighted to be hosting a once-in-a-lifetime evening of sacred music, as we bring together the renowned Chronos Ensemble and Mosaic Choir to revive the ancient music of the early Christian Church.

Event details

Date: Sunday 25^th May 2025

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: Shrewsbury Cathedral, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1UE 

Admission: £20.50 to £28.50 depending on seating.

The Chronos Ensemble, founded in 2012 by Evgenii Skurat, is dedicated to the authentic performance of Byzantine, ancient Russian, and early Christian musical traditions. This specialised vocal ensemble brings together exceptional musicians with expertise spanning medieval European, Byzantine, and eastern Mediterranean musical practices. 

Under Skurat’s leadership, the ensemble has produced a multi-disc anthology of ancient Russian and Byzantine music, establishing themselves as foremost interpreters of these ancient liturgical traditions. Their groundbreaking anthology of Early Slavonic polyphony represents the first recordings of their kind—comprising two double CDs and their latest triple CD release. These recordings, available for purchase online and after the concert, have been acclaimed for their scholarly approach and artistic excellence. 

Each member brings unique scholarly and performance credentials: Evgenii Skurat, a baritone and leading expert in ancient notation systems; Michael Eberle, whose repertoire encompasses medieval vocal and instrumental traditions; Pierre Chépélov, an award-winning composer with deep connections to early music practices; and Marcin Abijski, a theologian-musicologist specialising in Byzantine-Slavic musical relationships. 

The ensemble’s performances feature rare liturgical works, many transcribed directly from medieval manuscripts by ensemble members themselves. Their current program focuses on the musical legacy of the First Ecumenical Council, including newly discovered sticheraria from 13th-century manuscripts and the earliest notated versions of fundamental liturgical texts like the Creed and the Mercy of Peace, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the sacred soundscapes of early Christianity.  

The Mosaic Choir represents the diverse tapestry of Orthodox Christianity in the United Kingdom, bringing together singers from various national and cultural backgrounds. Founded through the Orthodox Fellowship of St. John the Baptist’s annual Youth Festival, the ensemble has evolved to embrace an even wider community of voices while maintaining its dedication to authentic liturgical expression. The choir’s repertoire spans both Orthodox liturgical music from different traditions and folk music from many lands, creating a true musical mosaic that reflects its multicultural composition. 

Performing regularly across the UK and occasionally abroad, the Mosaic Choir serves both as cultural ambassador for Orthodox sacred music and as a fundraising vehicle for charitable causes. Their performances range from Divine Liturgies and special services to concerts and festivals, where they share the richness of Orthodox musical heritage with diverse audiences. Based in London with regular rehearsals, the choir continues to welcome new members who share their passion for preserving and celebrating Orthodox musical traditions.