St Albans Cathedral Choir consists of up to 26 boys between the ages of 8-14 and is directed by Andrew Lucas, Master of the Music. It is regarded as one of the finest Cathedral Choirs in the country. Each week the boys rehearse six times and sing five services. For three weekend services they are joined by up to twelve Lay Clerks – professional musicians who sing the lower parts.

There is no residential choir school: the choristers are drawn from local schools. Weekday rehearsals therefore take place before or after school. Becoming a chorister means joining a musical heritage which stretches back to the Cathedral’s monastic roots.

In addition to the daily round of choral services, the Choir takes part in concerts, tours, broadcasts and recordings. In recent years the Choir has visited Italy, Spain, Germany and Sweden. It has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall (Birmingham) and has given live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC One. It has also given the first performances of works by Alec Roth and Joanna Marsh. Its recordings for the Naxos label have included best-selling discs by John Rutter and music by Mozart.

Becoming a Chorister

• Boys normally join the choir at the beginning of Year 4 
• As members of the choir, they receive a first-class musical education
• Choristers make new friends from different schools

The choir's director, Andrew Lucas is always pleased to hear about potential applicants. To discuss an audition or to find out more please contact the Music Department by email

Click here to download more details. 

Photo © Juliet McGrory