Michael Garland - tenor

What do you do for a living?
I retired from full-time ministry in 2017 but I am Acting Area Dean of Gloucester City at the moment.
Have you lived in Gloucestershire all your life?
I was born in Birmingham and we moved to Gloucester Diocese in 2003 when I became Vicar of St Mary's, Charlton Kings.
Where is your favourite place in Gloucestershire?
Chipping Campden. My mother was born there and I have fond memories of visiting relatives when I was a boy.
Which bit of the building at Gloucester Cathedral do you love the most?
The Quire. It's a fabulous space and the great east window is rather special.
If you had to name your favourite choral piece, what might it be and why?
Bach's St John Passion. I am always deeply moved by the final chorus ('Ruht wohl') and the chorale that follows.
Is there a choral piece that you would love to sing in, but haven’t yet?
Poulenc's Four Penitential Motets or the Four Christmas Motets.
What has been your favourite moment or event during your time with the Saint Cecilia Singers?
Singing 'Take him, earth, for cherishing' by Howells
Where in the world would you most like to visit, but haven’t?
Guadaloupe and/or St Martin in the Caribbean. (I'm a huge fan of 'Death in Paradise' which is set in Guadaloupe and St Martin has an amazing approach to the runway!)
If you could read only two books from now on, which ones would they be?
A History of Christianity (Diarmaid MacCulloch) and the next Dan Brown thriller!
Which four figures from the past would you like to have at your dinner table?
Bach and Handel (they could have a conversation they never managed before); Thomas Cranmer (he could provide some more texts for the composers); my Father (he died when I was sixteen and it would be good to learn more about his life - especially his D-Day involvement)
What was your favourite subject at school?
Geography
What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of music?
Walking, cycling and anything connected to civil aviation.
What are you most looking forward to after lockdown eases?
Meeting up with the family and catching up with our six grandchildren.