Following an extremely successful year for the Cathedral choir, Director of Music Emma Gibbins, looks back over a busy year.
As the choir year ended on Sunday 13 July, it's been a joy to reflect on the remarkable journey we've had. Our choir membership has flourished, and we have welcomed more families into the Cathedral community making a significant contribution to worship with a diverse repertoire throughout the year.
After the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, our chorister numbers had dwindled, necessitating a major rebuild. When I started last September I embarked on a vigorous recruitment drive, visiting primary schools, publishing articles in the local press, and speaking on local radio stations. This effort culminated in 55 children attending "taster sessions" in October and November last year.
Following auditions, we proudly established two new chorister sections for boys and girls and our new probationer choristers made their debut at the morning service on Sunday 22 December. Their enthusiasm and progress have been truly inspiring, and they are now singing more frequently with the main choir.
We are delighted to now have 31 choristers, comprising 14 boys and 17 girls, along with 11 adult members - a significant increase from the start of the year.
Beyond growing our choir, a major focus for the past year has been outreach, reinforcing Chelmsford Cathedral's role as a spiritual and cultural hub for the people of Chelmsford, the Diocese in Essex & East London, and beyond. As the Mother Church of the Diocese, the Cathedral is actively working to make this identity resonate musically throughout the community.
In May, we invited over 200 Year 3 and 4 children to participate in our first Cathedral Primary Schools music outreach day and last month, we hosted a Diocesan Choral Festival, welcoming over 120 singers from 22 different churches across the Diocese.
Highlights of the Year
The Chelmsford Civic Act of Remembrance: Our Choristers and Cathedral Young Singers were honoured to participate in this significant event.
Our Christmas Services: The Advent Procession and three packed services of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Surround Sound Playlist Concert: Our choristers had the privilege of singing alongside world-renowned groups Tenebrae and the Britten Sinfonia.
Evensong of New Music: Collaborating with composers from the Colchester New Music Group, we presented an Evensong featuring six world premieres.
Ascension Day: Singing at the top of the tower is always a memorable experience.
Bradwell Chapel was an enchanting performance in the historic Chapel in July, providing a unique and intimate atmosphere for their singing.
As we look back on this incredible year, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and passion of our choir members. Our program looks forward to building on this successful year, continuing to nurture musical talent, enrich worship, and deepen our connections within the wider community.
