The Highway Cello arrives at Chelmsford Cathedral
Kenneth Willson performs at Evensong service
Kenneth Wilson cycled into Chelmsford Cathedral with his cello leading the way last week.
The travelling musician, also known as Highway Cello, performed at our Evensong service on the 4 June as part of his personal pilgrimage to visit all 42 English cathedrals, performing a Meditation on the Seven Last Words of Jesus at each one.
“In Lent last year I performed this in about 30 churches,” explains Kenneth. “The work consists of meditative poems on the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross, interleaved with the slow movements from the Suites for Solo Cello by J.S. Bach. Together these two ideas inspired the Pilgrim Cello journey.”
His visit to Chelmsford marks cathedral number 13, almost a third of the way, on his tour.
“It's nearly 40 years since I was in Chelmsford Cathedral, and it was wonderful to be back,” he says.
“I was warmly welcomed by a professional team, and they set me up to perform at the top of the light and airy nave. After Evensong I played to a lovely audience, and at the end of a beautiful evening cycled out of the cathedral blessed and fulfilled.”
When Kenneth completes his pilgrimage in Carlisle on 4 July he will have ridden an incredible 2,000 miles.
Follow him on his pilgrimage and read his blog here: kennethwilsoncello.com
