Today Donald Macleod visits Hereford, the first stop on his tour of the three cities of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester that make up the musical triangle of the Three Choirs Festival - a unique institution that has been at the heart of British musical life for three centuries.

The role of hosting the festival is passed each year between the three cities, and the Director of Music at the cathedral of the festival's 'home' city therefore takes on the artistic directorship of the festival. Geraint Bowen, Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral, is artistic director of this year's festival; Donald Macleod talks to him about how this unique arrangement works in practice, and why it has been central to the festival's long-term wellbeing.

Donald also visits Anthony Boden, historian of the Three Choirs Festival, about the huge influence of SS Wesley on British choral music in the 19th century. Show less