Worth Society are delighted to present a special concert in memory of the late Fr Stephen Ortiger, former Headmaster and third Abbot of Worth, on Sunday 22nd November 2026 at 7:15pm in the Abbey Church at Worth. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the Fr Stephen Ortiger Bursary Fund for Worth's Retreat Centre and The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton Lourdes Pilgrimage. 

Composed by Julian Gairdner StB'89, Abbatial Requiem will be performed by London-based choir Vox Cordis alongside Worthian singers, and has been written for a four-part choir, organ, two trumpets, cello, timpani, glockenspiel, and a baritone soloist. The third movement, 'Stephen’s Prayer', features an adaptation of the incredibly moving email that Fr Stephen sent to all his friends just weeks before his death. The work unusually incorporates 'Salve Regina' and concludes with a rare, triumphant 'Gloria' to mirror the opening 'Kyrie'. It also features an acapella movement evoking Gregorian chant as a direct nod to Worth's Benedictine identity. The concert programme will also include anthems by Parry and Elgar.

Tickets cost £16.50, which includes a complimentary interval drink courtesy of Worth Society, and can be PURCHASED HERE. 

If you would like to join Vox Cordis to rehearse (in London) from September, and sing in the concert, please COMPLETE THIS FORM.