This journey was filled with sacred music, fellowship, and cultural exploration, marking an unforgettable experience for the choir and its supporters.
At the heart of the tour was the All Saints Day High Mass held in Cologne Cathedral. The service brought together the voices of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir, and the choirs of Liverpool Cathedral and Cologne Cathedral.
The choir’s powerful music filled the cathedral, contributing to the solemnity of the service. Monsignor Anthony O’Brien, as well as The Very Revd Dr Dean Sue Jones, and Canon Philip Anderson from Liverpool Cathedral joined in the Mass, highlighting the unity between the cities of Liverpool and Cologne.
The tour included a friendly sports tournament, allowing the choristers to bond through competition.
A reception then followed at the historic Cologne City Hall, where the Mayor of Cologne welcomed the choristers to the city. This warm welcome underscored the long-standing friendship between the two cities and the shared pride in the choirs’ collaborative spirit.
The choir presented Mozart’s Requiem in concert at the striking St Aposteln Church (Basilica of the Holy Apostles). This concert was one of the highlights of the trip, showcasing the choir’s talent and dedication to their craft.
The journey continued with a High Mass at the Basilica of St Kunibert, where the choir contributed their voices to the sacred liturgy. This was followed by an ecumenical reception at Haus der Evangelischen Kirche, which allowed the choir to meet and exchange perspectives with members of Cologne’s faith community. The day concluded with a beautiful Evening Prayer in Cologne Cathedral, closing the day in peaceful reflection.
As the trip drew to a close, the choir gathered for an evening meal at Vapiano, where they shared laughter and stories with both choristers and staff.
They experienced a guided tour of Cologne Cathedral on the final day, allowing us to explore the rich history and architecture of the great space they had been performing in. This time together, experiencing Cologne’s cultural heritage, deepened the choir’s connection to the city and provided lasting memories.
Through their music, worship, and time spent together, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir celebrated the friendship between Liverpool and Cologne, bringing harmony, reverence, and joy to their journey.
