|PIC1|Guildford has been chosen to launch a new initiative to provide people across south east England with a unique opportunity to take time out to reflect on the state of the country.

Broadly following the ancient Pilgrim’s Way which carried medieval Christian pilgrims from Winchester via Guildford, Maidstone and onto Canterbury Cathedral, The Canterbury Vigils is a five-venue tour starting at St Saviour’s Church, Woodbridge Road on Saturday 13 June from 7.30pm. Other venues will include Wye in Kent, Maidstone, Margate finishing in the Cathedral at Canterbury on 21 November.

The Canterbury Vigils have been put together by Nigel Swinford, founder and conductor of the New English Orchestra out of a concern that there are not enough opportunities for people to sit quietly and reflect on what is happening in the midst of the economic crisis and how communities across the UK can come together to express compassion, solidarity and hope for a troubled world.

The Vigils offer 100 minutes of music, prayer and silence for the nation and the world. Using classical and modern music from around the world, Swinford hopes the new series of free events will provide a hospitable and inclusive environment for people of different faiths and no faiths to pray or silently contemplate together on the state of the nation and worldwide issues.

Introduced first in Salzburg in 1995, Nigel Swinford launched the concept of combining music, silence and reflection for events which would allow people space and time to be still and contemplate on issues which affected them deeply.

The Vigils use the New English Orchestra comprising high quality instrumentalists drawn from some of the world’s top orchestras. The New English Orchestra has players from the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC’s Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Halle Orchestra and many others.

Nigel Swinford graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and was Head of Composition at Salford University Music Department. He has helped set up the New English Orchestra’s sister organisation the New European Orchestra which was established in 1996 in Switzerland.

All members of the New English Orchestra are Christians drawn from Protestant and Catholic traditions who see the Vigils as an important response to the anxious times many are experiencing across the UK and Europe.

“We are excited to have been chosen to launch this series of reflective evenings here at St Saviour’s,” says the Rector David Bracewell. “The New English Orchestra brings a high level of musical ability and sensitivity to allow those present to have time and space to listen, think and maybe pray about the issues affecting them. They will be inspired by the music and our aim is that they go away with a sense of hope for the future.”

Entry is free to the Guildford Vigil but a voluntary offering will be taken.

For further information call St Saviour’s office on 01483 455333