last updated:
11 Oct 2005
Chester Cathedral
Christ and St Mary
Director of Music:
(Previously Director of Music at Coventry Cathedral, and Assistant Organist at Rochester Cathedral)
Assistant Director of Music:
ex. assistant, Southwell Minster
Second Assistant Director of Music:
ex. organ scholar, Chichester Cathedral
Organ Scholar:
ex. Organ scholar Beverley Minster
Organ:
Whitley Bros of Chester (1876), rebuilt in 1910 by Hill, and in 1969 by Rushworth and Draper, but now maintained by David Wells of Liverpool.
Sited at the front of the North Transept with a separate division in the Quire. The case was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.
4 manuals, 72 speaking stops, 16 couplers.
Interesting features of the organ include a Zymbelstern, an 8' Regal stop on the Solo, a general crescendo pedal with four memories, 14 general pistons and sequencer facility, and a wide range of thumb and toe pistons. There is a Christie capture system for all pistons, and a back up system (hard-wired by plug link).
Information and photographs taken, with thanks, from the organ booklet provided by David Poulter, and which may be purchased from the Cathedral Shop
Choir:
20 boys (no choir school), 4A, 4T, 4B.
Also a Girls' Choir (16 girls) from October 96.
Extracts from the choir brochure, provided by David Poulter. Photographs by Cheshire Life (second below) and Paul Anthony Studios, Chester (rest):
Choral excellence
Chester Cathedral is tremendously proud of its 900-year tradition of excellence in choral singing and of the people who help us maintain and build on those traditions - our choristers and our music staff.
Naturally enough, as you would expect from a choir with such an illustrious heritage, we are committed to maintain high standards of teamwork, discipline and achievement in every area of our musical activity and with them, a strong sense of fun and personal fulfilment.
This brochure is designed to provide a very brief glimpse of the history behind the Cathedral's choral traditions and bring you up-to date with opportunities which currently exist for people of all ages in the Cathedral choirs.
Of course, we'd be delighted to tell you more about any aspect of our choral activities and opportunities.
Chester Cathedral Boys' Choir
Singing on the site of what has now become Chester's magnificent Cathedral began more than 900 years ago when the first monks sang their chants under the Benedictine Rule.
The strains of countless voices continue to echo down the ages, their praise of God sustained by the voices of today's choristers.
Each year, the Cathedral offers opportunities for boys to compete for a coveted place in the Cathedral Boys' Choir. Admission is through audition. However, candidates are not expected to be musically accomplished in any way. Even previous singing experience isn't essential.
We're keen to hear from parents whose sons are aged between seven and ten years old who have an ear for music, a voice that can be trained and a commitment to play a part in upholding and enhancing our marvellous traditions. We also look for a good standard of English reading ability.
In addition to extensive choral duties within the Cathedral, the 20 members of the Boys' Choir sing at venues throughout the UK and abroad. The Choir broadcasts regularly and has made several recordings. Its members have sung for Her Majesty The Queen and other dignitaries and performed in concert with many professional orchestras.
What happens when the voice breaks?
This need not be the catastrophe many people believe it to be! Choristers have the option to continue as a Server or Crucifer. When the voice eventually settles, they may return as choral scholars or lay clerks. Many of today's leading conductors, instrumentalists and singers began their musical careers as choristers in church and cathedral choirs.
Chester Cathedral Girls' Choir
Chester Cathedral Girls' Choir was formed in 1996 to be a parallel to the Boys' Choir.
The Girls' Choir consists of approximately 16 girls aged between 10 and 18 who are expected to attend rehearsals five days per week and sing at Cathedral services and at other venues in and around Cheshire.
As with the Boys' Choir, admission is through audition and previous singing experience isn't essential. We're looking for enthusiasm, commitment and potential. Reading ability is important.
From probationer to full chorister
The role of a chorister is as stimulating and rewarding as it is demanding. Each boy or girl begins as a probationer and is taught basic skills, techniques and theories as part of comprehensive and first-class musical training which is provided by committed, experienced and professional musicians.
After several months as a probationer, when sufficient progress has been made, the individual can be promoted to full chorister and take his or her rightful place in the stalls carved for monks more than 600 years ago!
The promotion is marked by the presentation during an Evensong service of a choir surplice by the Dean of the Cathedral. Promotion to Senior Chorister is also publicly recognised, as is promotion to Deputy Head and Head Chorister.
The discipline and teamwork involved in choir life provides each individual with considerable self-confidence and the ability to work as part of a team, both of which stand members in good stead for the future.
Concerns that schoolwork may be affected by the choral training and signing duties are ill-founded. Experience proves that the high self-discipline and organisation involved in choir life actually enhances academic development.
Financial assistance
Bursaries are provided for each individual. Probationers receive a small sum each term. After initial training has been completed, a Junior Bursary is paid. Mature Choristers receive an increased bursary. Details of current payments are available on request.
How to find out more....
The Cathedral Boys' and Girls' Choirs
Detailed guidelines for parents are available. For a copy, or for information on any other aspect Of the Cathedral Choirs, including arrangements for auditions, contact the Director of Music, telephone (01244) 351024.
The Cathedral Nave Choir
The Nave Choir was formed in 1867 to lead the worship at the Sunday evening services in the Nave. Consisting at the time of about 150 men, women and children, this was the first Cathedral Voluntary Choir in the country.
Today the Nave Choir is a smaller group of enthusiastic singers of all ages. Its main task is still to provide the music for the 6.30pm Sunday Service now held in the Quire of the Cathedral. Rehearsals take place prior to the service at 5.40pm, and on a Wednesday night from 7.30 to 8.30pm.
In addition to these regular commitments, the Nave Choir regularly sings for other special services during the course of the year and stands in for the Cathedral Choir on some occasions. On Christmas Eve, the Nave Choir sings carols around the Cathedral precincts before the Midnight Eucharist.
Membership is open to anyone who enjoys singing and is able to meet the commitment outlined above. We are always happy to welcome students, whether they are in Chester during term or vacations.
Admission to the Choir is by informal audition. For further details, contact the Cathedral Organ Scholar, telephone (01244) 351024.
Services:
Sunday: 10:00 Eucharist (ASB weeks 1, 2 and 4; BCP weeks 3 and 5), 11:30 Mattins, 3:30 Evensong, 6:30 Evening Service (Nave Choir)
Telephone: 01244 324756
Recordings:
Priory (Christmas Joy, vol 3), Durufle Requiem
Details from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.
Other
Information:
- There is an organ recital on Thursdays 1:10 to 1:50 pm.
- Enquiries about chorister and lay clerk vacancies to the Music Department, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU, on 01244 351024 (fax 01244 341110), or by e-mail to cathedral7@chesternet.co.uk.
Previous
Organists:
John Hughes (1925-1930)
Charles Hylton Stewart (1930-1932)
Malcolm Boyle (1932-1949)
James Middleton (1949-1963)
John Sanders (1964-1967)
Roger Fisher (1967-1997)