The Cathedral Choir is at the centre of the musical and liturgical life of the cathedral, exercising its ministry through the praise and worship of God, and raising up the congregation’s prayer.
The choir consists of boy and girl choristers (aged between 7-14) and adult Lay Clerks. The choristers attend the two choir schools: Runnymede St Edward’s Primary School, and St Edward’s College and benefit from an all-round academic, musical and liturgical education.
The choir sings at daily Mass in the Cathedral, and sings Choral Evening Prayer on Fridays and Sundays. In addition, the choir sings at all the major liturgies of Advent/Christmas, and Holy Week/Easter and at special archdiocesan and national liturgies taking place at the cathedral.
In addition to singing at the regular choral services taking place in the cathedral, the choir visits parishes in the archdiocese to undertake ‘Parish Choral Offerings,’ gives regular concerts both in the cathedral and further afield, is active in recording and broadcasting, and tours regularly across Europe.
In recent years, the choir has performed alongside the City of London Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Mozart Orchestra, Westminster Cathedral Choir and the Pro-Cathedral Choir from Dublin, working with conductors such as Sir James MacMillan, Stephen Layton and Martin Baker.
The Metropolitan Cathedral has a close relationship with its sister cathedral at the other end of Hope Street, highlighted annually in the joint “Two Cathedrals’ Messiah” where the two cathedral choirs join together to sing Handels’ masterpiece.
Learn more about joining the Cathedral Choir.
The Cathedral Youth Choir consists of former choristers and other young singers aged 14-21. The choir sings for Mass in the Cathedral on a Monday during choir term, participates in other important events in the Cathedral and has regular opportunities for broadcasting.
Information about joining the Youth Choir can be found here.
