Music
Eight sung services a week in term time, and an organ that took eleven years to rebuild.
The choir
Sung services since 1348
Sixteen boys, sixteen girls and eight lay clerks, singing eight services a week in term time. The choristers are educated at the school in the Yard and the choir has not missed a term since the Second World War.
Voice trials are held each November for children in Years 3 and 4. No musical experience is expected and most successful candidates have none — they are listened to for ear and temperament, not training.
Ask about voice trialsThe organ
Four manuals, 84 stops, and a rebuild that took eleven years.
Originally Harrison & Harrison of Durham, 1904, rebuilt by them again between 2009 and 2020 with the case retained and almost everything behind it replaced.
Recitals on Wednesdays at 1.10, free with a retiring collection. Visiting organists may play by arrangement and students preparing for diplomas may practise free of charge — the Minster would rather it were used than admired.
Singing here yourself
Voice trials
Each November, for Years 3 and 4. Ear and temperament, not training. Full choristerships cover the school fees.
The Minster Chorus
Adults, no audition, singing the Sunday morning service once a month and everything at Christmas. Rehearses Thursdays.
Visiting choirs
We host about thirty a year, mostly in the school holidays when our own choir is off. Apply eighteen months ahead; good choirs are turned down only for lack of dates.