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Girls to become part of Cathedral choir.
The Chapter of Durham Cathedral is pleased to announce that, as from 2009, twenty girl choristers will join the Cathedral choir.
During this autumn, girls aged from 8 to 12 will be invited to audition for chorister scholarships. These will allow them a 50% reduction in the fees for the Chorister School where they will be boarders.
The girl choristers will begin to sing services later in 2009. They will alternate with the boy choristers and join with the twelve men of the Cathedral choir.
When the Cathedral was a monastic church, the services would have been sung by the monks. It was not until after the Reformation in the 16th century that the practice of a choir of men and boys was started here and has continued, almost without a break, until today.
Canon James Lancelot, Master of the Choristers and Organist of the cathedral since 1985, says:
"This is an exciting and momentous development into which have gone years of planning. The tradition of all‑male English cathedral choirs is unique and precious and we will continue this in Durham.
However, the presence of two treble parts in the choir enables us to grasp the many opportunities of outreach and partnership which we now have and wish to develop further. Our choristers lead busy lives, balancing the demands of school work, sporting and social life and singing.
With forty choristers rather than twenty, we shall be able to maintain this balance for them while also developing the Cathedral's musical life. I am delighted for the Cathedral, and for the young people who will be able to experience this unique musical training."
The Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Michael Sadgrove says:
"The decision to admit girl choristers is one of those historic moments in the long history of Durham Cathedral. The music of the Cathedral is one of the jewels in its crown. I am delighted that we shall be able to offer the same opportunities to girls as well as boys. This can only enrich the Cathedral's choral tradition as well as the life of our Chorister School. Outreach among children and young people is crucial if the Cathedral and its music are going to flourish in the future. This development is a big step on that important journey. "
The Headmaster of the Chorister School, Mr Ian Hawksby says:
"I am delighted that girls are to get the same opportunity that boys have had here for centuries. They will receive a music and general education which equips them for the rest of their lives, as well as enabling them to spend their formative years in a beautiful spiritual place like Durham Cathedral. Here come the girls!"
(Posted on Thursday 8th May 2008)