Notes of Distinction: GAC’s Inaugural Performance Echoes Through Sudeley
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Jon Morrell, the American opera singer, co-founder and artistic director of the acclaimed arts series in New York State, The Garage at Chatham (The GAC), today announced that their inaugural recital at Sudeley Castle on September 21 was a resounding success. The event, marking the start of season 2025-2026 of The GAC at Sudeley Castle, attracted near 100 attendees.
The soprano Catherine Woodward performed alongside her husband Ben Woodward on the piano in the Church of St. Mary, the ancient Norman church which houses the tomb of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife. The program was introduced by Jon Morrell and featured works by Beach, Duparc, Faure, Haydn as well as Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder and the Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde.
Next year’s The GAC at Sudeley Castle recitals will take place on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 12 in the Orangery and the Library, respectively.
Jon Morrell said “We are thrilled to have launched our 5th season of The GAC in the UK at Sudeley Castle and are most grateful to Lady Ashcombe. Sudeley offers a truly remarkable atmosphere for those wishing to experience music at its finest. Our goal is to further our vision of showcasing the arts in unique, intimate settings and Sudeley Castle could not be a more romantic place to begin our GAC series in the UK.”
Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, the owner and long-time chatelaine of historic Sudeley Castle, said
“We were delighted to welcome Jon and The GAC series to Sudeley. Catherine and Ben Woodward gave a powerfully moving performance and one that shall stay in my memory for years to come.”
The Garage at Chatham was founded in 2020 during the pandemic by the American opera singer Jon Morrell and his wife Adrienne in their especially adapted garage. Their idea was to create musical events with world class artists in the spirit of the 19th century salon. Chamber music, dance and theatrical works were offered in a relaxed setting. www.thegarageatchatham.com www.jonmorrell.com
