Hereford Cathedral to welcome girl choristers

For the first time in a history stretching back many centuries, Hereford Cathedral is inviting girls to audition to join the Cathedral Choir.

Until now, the choir has consisted of boy choristers together with the adult professional singers who provide the alto, tenor and bass parts of the choir. This year, girls of the same age as the boys (7-13) will also be invited to join the choir and to receive a full musical education as choristers in the beautiful surroundings of Hereford Cathedral.

Choristers receive scholarships from the Chapter to attend Hereford Cathedral Junior School and Hereford Cathedral School. In cases of financial need these scholarships can be increased to 100% of the school fees.

Hereford Cathedral Choir has an international reputation through its radio and television broadcasts, critically-acclaimed recordings and overseas tours (including France, Italy, South Africa and six visits to the USA), but its primary task remains the singing of the daily services at the cathedral.

Director of Music Geraint Bowen said: ‘We are very excited to be starting the search for the chorister class of 2022: these boys and girls will make history in Hereford as our choir begins this new phase of its centuries-old existence.

‘We are looking for girls and boys who enjoy singing and being part of a team. It is not necessary for them to have had any previous choral experience or to play an instrument, although that is certainly an advantage: when we select choristers, we are looking for musical potential. It is the training they receive at the cathedral and their commitment and dedication which produces the results.’

Hereford Cathedral’s Chorister Open Morning will take place on Saturday 12 March. Booking is essential and more details can be found here: www.herefordcathedral.org/chorister-open-morning-2022.

Prospective parents are welcome to contact the Director of Music, Geraint Bowen, for an informal discussion about their child’s potential for a choristership at Hereford Cathedral. He may be contacted at organist@herefordcathedral.org or +44 1432 374238