A new sculpture honouring Armagh-born composer Sir Charles Wood has been unveiled at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, the place identified as the starting point of his musical journey.
The specially commissioned Jesmonite bust was unveiled on Thursday, August 20, during the Charles Wood Festival of Music. Sir John Rutter, patron of the festival, performed the unveiling in front of festival supporters, clergy, musicians and other guests.
A five-month tribute to Charles Wood
The sculpture was created by Islandmagee-based sculptor Naomi Sander of Studio Sander. The work took five months to complete and is described as the first specially commissioned Jesmonite bust dedicated to Charles Wood.
Wood was born in Armagh, and his musical legacy continues to reach audiences internationally. His compositions are still performed by choirs around the world, a century after his death.
The bust is intended to celebrate both the composer’s life and his continuing influence, while giving visitors and musicians a permanent reminder of his connection with the cathedral.
Festival supporters attend cathedral unveiling
Richard Yarr, chair of the Charles Wood Festival of Music, said the unveiling was particularly meaningful because it took place where Wood’s musical journey began.
“It was a privilege to witness the unveiling of this beautiful sculpture in the place where Charles Wood’s musical journey began. We are grateful to Naomi Sander for creating such a fitting tribute and to Sir John Rutter for helping us celebrate Charles Wood’s extraordinary legacy. We hope the bust will inspire visitors and musicians for many years to come.”
Sander said seeing the sculpture unveiled in the cathedral was a special moment and expressed hope that it would encourage people to learn more about Wood and his work.
“Seeing the sculpture unveiled in St Patrick’s Cathedral has been a very special moment. Charles Wood’s music is a living legacy, still performed and loved around the world, and I hope this bust encourages people to discover more about the man behind that remarkable body of work. It has been an honour to create this tribute in the place where his musical story began.”
Sir John Rutter also paid tribute to Wood’s life and work, describing the sculpture’s location as a fitting legacy.
“What a joy to be here in Armagh to pay tribute to the life and work of Sir Charles Wood. What a wonderful legacy to have this amazing sculpted bust residing in the very church where his musical journey began.”
Charles Wood Festival continues in Armagh
The source report said the Charles Wood Festival of Music would continue until Sunday, August 23, with further events planned over the following days. Readers were directed to the festival’s information page for details of the remaining programme.
