Cathedral choirs
Unlike many ancient cathedrals there is no residential choir school - the rehearsals and services are fitted in around a normal school week, and the boys and girls of each choir attend a number of different schools in the area.
The dedication of the choristers and their parents is tremendous. The choristers themselves receive in return first-class musical tuition, and also develop skills which will help them in their adult life – concentration, organization, team-work and self-discipline.
Quite a few of our ex-Cathedral choristers have gone on to gain choral and organ scholarships at university, continuing to enjoy and develop the experience they gained as young singers here.
Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir consists of 24 boy Choristers (aged 8-14) and 12 Lay Clerks (the gentlemen who sing the Alto, Tenor and Bass parts). The boys sing Evensong on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and are joined by the Lay Clerks for three weekend services. The choir’s recent tours have included USA (2006) and France (2009). Future events include a recording with the Abbey Girls Choir, and a tour of Sweden is planned for 2011.
Abbey Girls' Choir
The Abbey Girls’ Choir consists of 24 girl Choristers (aged 8-14) who sing Evensong on Wednesdays and Fridays. The girls also sing at occasional weekend and other special services, when they are joined by the Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir. The choir has recently returned from a successful tour of the USA - giving concerts in Washington DC, New York City, Miami, Delaware, & New Jersey. Future events include a recording with the St Albans Cathedral Choir.
Press Release: St Albans Abbey Girls Choir sing a special “thank you” to their American hosts.
Abbey Singers
The Abbey Singers comprise ex-Cathedral choristers ages 14-18, and sing occasional Evensongs and at the Parish Eucharist. Audition is by invitation.
For information about the Parish Singers and the Parish Junior Singers, see Parish Musicians.
Ex-Chorister Association
St Albans Cathedral has a thriving ex-choristers association, which aims to provide a point of contact between current and former choristers, lay clerks, & music staff. Click on the link below to access the association's website
For further information about auditions for either choir, please contact the Music Department:
Tel: 01727 890245
Email:
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