Chorister Open Morning at Hereford Cathedral next month

Hereford Cathedral is looking for the next generation of choristers to join its world-renowned choir.

The Chorister Open Morning, which takes place on Saturday 12 March from 10 to 11 am (with registration from 9.30 am onwards), will give girls and boys and their families an opportunity to learn about the life of a cathedral chorister, meet members of the cathedral’s music department and hear the choristers sing. Attendees will then be invited to get a real taste of life in the choir as they sing alongside some of the choristers.

As well as receiving a full musical education, being part of a cathedral choir offers a great opportunity to meet new people and build lasting friendships – both for the child and their family. All the choristers attend Hereford Cathedral Junior School and Hereford Cathedral School on a substantial scholarship provided by the cathedral, with extra financial support available, up to 100% fees, if needed.

Whilst the pandemic brought a temporary halt to the choir’s activities throughout much of 2020 and 2021, in the last few years the choir has travelled to Bologna at the invitation of the British Embassy in Rome, taken part in the D-Day 75 commemorations in Normandy and travelled to Rome to sing for the Pope. Closer to home, they have performed at a concert at Buckingham Palace, hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales, and take part each year in the Three Choirs Festival. All these activities are fitted around the choir’s central role of singing for the daily services at the cathedral.

Geraint Bowen, director of music at Hereford Cathedral said, ‘Being a chorister is a fabulous opportunity for a musical boy or girl who enjoys singing. Our choristers learn many important life skills and become the most amazing young professionals. They will have once-in-a-lifetime experiences during their years in the choir which will stay with them forever. It doesn’t matter if you have never set foot inside the cathedral before, if you know a girl or boy who loves to sing we would love to hear from you and welcome you to our open morning on Saturday 12 March.’

‘We are looking for boys and girls who enjoy singing and being part of a team, and it is not necessary for them to have had any previous choral experience or to play an instrument. 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.’

Places at the open morning are free of charge but advance booking is essential as space is limited. To register for a place, or for further information, please call Geraint Bowen on 01432 374 238 or email organist@herefordcathedral.org. There is also more information available at herefordcathedral.org