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Llandaff Cathedral Choir Visits London

During half-term, boy and girl choristers travelled with Llandaff Cathedral Choir to London.

This was the first trip away for our choristers in several years and provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their confidence and teamwork ahead of the busy Advent and Christmas seasons. Despite the inevitable traffic, spirits remained high as they made their way to their accommodation—fittingly, the former chorister boarding house of St Paul’s Cathedral. After dinner, the group stretched their legs with an evening walk along the South Bank, taking in sights such as the Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. 

They awoke the next morning ready for a day of exploration, starting with the Tower of London, before travelling across the city to prepare for Evensong at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square. The church’s glorious acoustics perfectly suited music by Herbert Howells and Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, featuring an immaculate solo from William S. They were warmly welcomed by a large, appreciative congregation, including many supportive parents and friends. 

The following day, the group made the short walk to St Paul’s Cathedral to explore Wren’s masterpiece and climb its famous 528 steps. Choristers tested the acoustics of the whispering gallery and braved the rain to take in stunning views from the top. Rehearsals followed in the exceptional practice spaces of St Paul’s Cathedral Choir before Evensong in the awe-inspiring main space. The choir rose to the occasion, performing music by Paul Spicer, Gerald Near, and Morten Lauridsen to an audience of around 700—more than Llandaff Cathedral can hold! 

Tuesday brought a lunchtime concert at St Lawrence Jewry next to the Guildhall, another of Wren’s churches, beautifully restored after WWII and featuring a magnificent Rieger organ. Afterwards, the group enjoyed sightseeing, including a 'flight' on the London Eye and a river cruise along the Thames. Even a downpour couldn’t dampen spirits as the choristers walked back along the river before ending the evening with a lively quiz. 

On Wednesday, it was time to head home. A stop in Windsor offered a final highlight: Evensong in the historic St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle—the resting place of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. The choir quickly adapted to the chapel’s intimate acoustic, performing music by Dyson and Philip Moore to great acclaim. The resident clergy immediately invited the choir to return in the future. 

Tours like this one are such a special part of chorister life — a chance to visit amazing places, make wonderful music, and build lasting friendships. 

After a well-earned half-term break, the boys and girls reunited for Sausages and Sparklers following Evensong on Sunday. With Advent and Christmas preparations already underway, another busy and exciting term lies ahead!