Cathedral Choristers

The Cathedral has had a long and proud tradition of Choral singing. For this living tradition to continue, the Cathedral is constantly on the look-out for young people become members of the Cathedral Choirs, boys aged approximately 7-10, and girls aged 9+.

The principal duty of the Cathedral Choirs is to provide music for the daily life of the Cathedral, for both regular worship and special services. The Choirs are an integral part of celebrating the glory of God through music, one of the core functions of any Cathedral community.

The benefits of being a Chorister

• A musical education like no other with tuition given for free!
• Becoming part of a team, who wish to achieve the same musical and spiritual goals
• Confidence building - choristers often benefit at school through their work at the Cathedral
• A new group of friends - a chance to meet other boys/girls who enjoy making music and want to develop their talent
• Opportunities to participate in concerts and recordings, and visit other parts of the world whilst making wonderful music
• To work with a professional Director of Music
• To enhance the prayers of hundreds of visitors who come to the Cathedral
• To be a member of the Cathedral Community
• Significant reductions on the fees at the Cathedral School

How to become a Chorister at Llandaff Cathedral

Being a member of the Cathedral Choir is a privilege, and one that will be part of a child's life forever. Obviously an ability and a desire to sing is essential. Sight reading of music is not essential although it is helpful. Older boys/girls with musical ability may be accepted if they pass an elementary audition.

For Boys: Contact can be made with the Director of Music, Mr Richard Moorhouse, either directly by parents or through the school's music department (the school's Director of Music, Michael Hoeg, is assistant organist at the Cathedral and can easily make this initial contact).

For Girls: Contact can be made with the choir master, Mr John York-Skinner, at the school (he is assistant Director of Music at the Cathedral School).

The normal procedure is that it is suggested that a boy/girl sings to the choir master to see if we can develop this potential. To arrange a time, please do get in touch, or you will never know!

Parents too have an important role to play. Without parent support it would be impossible to maintain the contribution of choristers to the choral tradition at the Cathedral. However, our parents recognise the unique contribution which service as a chorister brings to their son/daughter in terms of character formation. The overwhelming majority of our past choristers will testify to the value in their life of their experiences in the choir, and the school and Cathedral alike are appreciative of parents' sacrifices in terms of family time to make the choirs workable.

Chorister Schedule

• Initially, those selected to become Choristers of the Cathedral will be known as Probationers. This period will usually last six months to a year, and will be an opportunity to gain some basic musical knowledge and vocal skills.
• When a boy/girl has reached a certain level, and is ready to enter the Cathedral Choir, the commitment is increased in terms of rehearsals and services. At this stage, the boy/girl receives a surplice and is an full time member of the Cathedral Choir.
• For the Cathedral Choirs to be successful, it is stressed that all members are expected to attend all rehearsals and services. The Choirs have periods of holiday and it is encouraged that parents arrange for Choristers to use their holiday time wisely so that term time is left unaffected.
• A Cathedral Choir is a unique group of people in that it spans all ages, from young Probationers through to adults, and the boys/girls are treated with the same level of professionalism as that of the adults.
• Boys sing Evensong on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and the main Eucharist on most Sunday mornings in term time and at the major festivals. Girls sing Evensong on Monday and Wednesday, and at occasional Sunday morning Eucharists.