The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir consists of about twenty boy choristers, six probationers (who will become choristers) and fourteen gentlemen, both lay clerks and choral scholars. It sings at five of the weekly services and on all the major feasts and Holy Days as well as giving regular concerts both in the Cathedral and within the Diocese. The choir sings an exciting and challenging wide repertoire, encompassing the full range of Roman Catholic music from Gregorian chant to the present day, as well as music written for the English Church, and music of other Christian traditions.
The Choristers are chosen by audition and all receive an outstanding education at the Cathedral's choir schools, Runnymede - St Edward's School (until the end of Year 6), and (from Year 7), St Edward´s College. Here there are morning rehearsals to prepare the music of the weekly services and for many other special services and concerts. The boys also carry out their normal school activities, both academic and extra-curricular, as well as receiving vocal and instrumental tuition. Many former choristers have gone on to pursue professional musical careers.
As well as its significant role within the working life of the Cathedral, the Choir is active within the Archdiocese and the City of Liverpool, singing at many civic, ecumenical and academic services. Broadcasting regularly, the Choir has sung many times for both BBC television and radio and independent broadcasters and has also made a number of recordings. Singing away from home since the 1970s, tours have included Belgium, Spain, Holland, Hungary and the USA and Canada as well as many cities within the British Isles.
On the titular feast of Christ the King, Sunday 21 November 2010, the Choir celebrated its 50th birthday. The Choir first sang at High Mass in the Crypt on this feast day in 1960, under the direction of the Master of the Music, Christopher Symons.
The Cathedral Choir has been supported over many years by the Friends of Cathedral Music and has received £30,000 towards various projects, most recently in 2006 for the provision of new music desks and benches in the Song Room.