Choir
THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR
Music plays a vital role in the life of the Cathedral and is strongly supported by the Dean and Board, and Belfast Cathedral Choir continues to aim towards being a centre of musical excellence both at home and abroad.
Belfast Cathedral Choir is primarily a voluntary choir of Boys Voices and Adults. The Choristers are recruited from several schools in Belfast, and Choral Scholar and Exhibition holders supplement the Adult voices. The Cathedral Choir sings two services every Sunday, and high days and holy days throughout the churches’ year. Recent broadcasts and recordings have raised the profile of the Choir, who also enjoy an annual Cathedral Residence or Tour.
The repertoire of the choir is wide and varied and includes specially commissioned works by composers such as John Rutter and John Joubert.
The Choir broadcasts frequently and has been recording a CD each year recently. Christmas and Summer concerts are also part of the programme.
The Cathedral is also renowned for its fabulous acoustic.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBITIONS
Choral Scholarships and Exhibitions are provided to students at school or university who sing as lay clerks in the Cathedral Choir.
CONTACT
For further information about the possibility of joining the choir contact The Director of Music, Mr Philip Stopford at 9032 8332 (office).
E-mail: music@belfastcathedral.org
YOUTH CHOIR
Choirs have been making music on the site of Belfast Cathedral since the late 1700’s. To mark the Centenary of the consecration of the Cathedral in 2004 a new Cathedral Youth Choir was formed. Consisting of male and female voices aged, primarily, between 16 and 24, the new and dynamic group is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The 24 auditioned voices (6 per part) bring together the best that Belfast and the wider community has to offer in talent and vocal ability, forming a young, fresh and exciting choral presence.
Working with Philip Stopford, the Director of Music at the Cathedral the choir performs the more unusual choral repertoire, aiming at three concerts a year (one per term), and forming links with orchestras and recording companies.
BRING YOUR VOICE FORWARD
The Cathedral Youth Choir is always looking for singers of a good level of ability, both vocally and with regard to sight-reading. Young folk are wanted who are good natured and committed.
If you want to "bring your voice forward" and are looking at further enhancing and embracing your talent and ability, possibly with a view towards a University Choral Scholarship or just to meet other young singers in Northern Ireland, then this is ideally for you!
Belfast Cathedral Youth Choir is open to all young people. The Dean and the Board of the Cathedral with the help of sponsors fund all tuition to members of the Youth Choir including all music scores and tuition materials.
CONTACT
For further information about the possibility of joining the choir contact Philip Stopford at 9032 8332 (office).
E-mail: music@belfastcathedral.org
CATHEDRAL CHOIR ASSOCIATION
Since the consecration of the nave of Belfast Cathedral in 1904, the Choir at St. Anne’s has made one of the foremost, consistent contributions in worship in the witness of the Christian Church and in the major civic and charitable services hosted for the wider community.
During this time hundreds of boys have benefited from their experiences as choristers in Belfast Cathedral. The greater majority have gone on to make significant contributions in all walks of life. It is a very impressive list of past choristers indeed. The musical disciplines are obviously positive influences in character formation.
Belfast Cathedral Choir Association - BCCA - exists (i) to enable the continuation of this choral tradition in the worship of God and (ii) to maintain the experience which participation in a Cathedral choir provides to all its members.
BCCA comprises supporters of the Cathedral Choir who donate £10 or more each year. These donations are directed into the following areas:
(i) the voice training of the choristers and the lay clerks (adult choir members).
(ii) an annual intensive residential experience for choristers with tuition and singing in a cathedral or great church environment.
(iii) student bursaries to assist lay clerks studying for primary degrees and exhibitions for lay clerks still at school.
(iv) accumulating a reserve fund, the interest from which will also be allocated to the three areas outlined above.
Membership of the Cathedral Choir continues to be open to all who meet the musical standards required and who empathise with this ethos of Christian worship.
Members of BCCA receive an annual newsletter and details of forthcoming choral events.
CONTACT: The Dean
VISITING CHOIRS
The Cathedral welcomes visiting choirs of quality whether local, national or international. concerts and designated Sundays are available.
In the first instance please contact the Director of Music at music@belfastcathedral.org The Director will consult with the Dean.
