Durham Cathedral Choir Association

DCCA is a lively new organisation which supports the Cathedral's music in all its aspects. The long established and world-class Choir of boys, girls and men, the team of outstanding organists, the mixed-voice Cathedral Consort of singers, various instrumental ensembles, together with visiting choirs and musicians from many parts of the world - all are central to the daily and year-round worship and spirituality of the Cathedral. DCCA fund-raises for both short-term and long-term projects; puts on and promotes concerts, recitals and tours; and makes, launches and sells CDs. We keep in touch via our biennial Newsletters and through our website. We warmly welcome and appreciate new members and all who support our endeavours. We network with other organisations who share our concerns.

As the Dean of Durham, Michael Sadgrove has written: “It would be hard to over-estimate the significance of the music of our cathedrals, whether it is to inspire and ennoble, to enrich our celebrations, to give pleasure, to enlarge the spirit, to bring comfort, or to sensitise us to the pain of the world. In all these ways it draws us into the life of God”.

Gifts and donations are mediated to the Cathedral through DCCA, making possible, for instance, the recent purchase of the Laus Deo organ. We aim to re-fund the Cathedral's Foundation in respect of its musicians of all ages, as well as helping to establish a major fund for the maintenance of the Cathedral's organs. Durham Cathedral's main organ has been looked after by Harrison & Harrison ever since Arthur Harrison rebuilt it in 1905, and its carvings, painting and simple but striking metalwork all together form a rich example of the arts of organ case design. The placing and layout of the organ in the architectural setting of the Cathedral allow it to ‘speak’ into the building in a quite remarkable way. Together with the voices of those who sing, Durham inherits a great tradition - and DCCA intends to enhance it.

We are a Registered Charity number 1078233 and can be contacted at DCCA, The Cathedral Office, The College, Durham DH1 3EH; Email dcca@durhamcathedral.co.uk.

Our Honorary Patrons are Sir Thomas Allen CBE, Dr David Boardman, and The Revd David Whittington OBE. Our Honorary President is The Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Michael Sadgrove. The Chair is Professor Ann Loades CBE, the Secretary, Mrs Jean Woodward and the Treasurer, Mr Andrew Fowler. The Committee has representatives of all interested parties.

Please join us by completing the membership form which you will find under ‘Support the Cathedral’ and find out more about us by exploring the DCCA website.