New era for choral music at Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral has announced new opportunities for choral music that will ensure its tradition continues and is accessible to a wider range of students. Starting in January 2024, girls will be able to audition alongside boys to join the Cathedral Choir and receive chorister scholarships at Norwich School. This opens up places for younger choristers to girls, although the Cathedral started a senior girls’ choir in 1995. Plans are also underway to create a new group of senior boy choristers, allowing teenage boys the chance to sing at Norwich Cathedral. These opportunities are open to young people from any school in Norfolk.
The Cathedral is dedicated to delivering musical excellence and providing unparalleled opportunities for talented boys and girls throughout their primary and secondary school years. The Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral, Ashley Grote, expresses his excitement for this new era of music at the Cathedral. As part of these developments, a free Be A Chorister Day will be held on November 18th, where primary school-aged children can participate in singing activities with existing choristers and parents can learn more about the opportunities available.
These musical announcements coincide with celebrations in November to welcome the restored Cathedral pipe organ. This project, which aims to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the organ’s music, presents an opportune time to introduce new musical possibilities. The Canon Precentor, The Revd Canon Aidan Platten, is delighted to broaden the musical landscape and offer more opportunities for boys and girls to sing in the context of worship. The Dean of Norwich, The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, emphasizes that music remains central to the worship and mission of Norwich Cathedral, and these developments demonstrate the commitment to its musical traditions.
Norwich School, where the chorister scholarships are offered, fully supports the Cathedral’s decision to open these scholarships to girls and create a group for senior boy choristers. Steffan Griffiths, the headmaster of Norwich School, acknowledges the world-class training provided by the Cathedral Choir as a valuable opportunity for those with musical potential. Parents interested in their children joining any of the Cathedral’s music opportunities can contact the Cathedral’s music department. Auditions for choristers for September 2024 will take place in January 2024, and auditions for senior girl and boy choristers will occur later in the academic year. The key qualities sought after in auditions are a love of music and a natural singing voice, with no previous choral experience required.