The tour brought together 14 choristers and 12 adult singers, celebrating the longstanding relationship between Durham Cathedral and Lübeck Cathedral while sharing the tradition of English cathedral music with audiences in northern Germany. The choir was led by Daniel Cook, Master of Choristers and Organist and Joseph Beech, Sub-Organist.
The visit began in Hamburg, where the choir sang Choral Evensong at St Petri Church. The service was conducted in German by The Revd Canon Michael Hampel and was warmly received by the congregation. The choir also performed at the Anglican Church of St Thomas à Becket, where audiences enjoyed a programme of choral music.
The Dean of Durham says,
"The Choir sang beautifully and I could not have been more proud for how they represented the best of Durham Cathedral to our German friends. It was not only a wonderful end to the choir year, but also a special contribution to an ecumenical and international relationship which is a powerful witness to the reconciling love of Christ. It was also a further reminder of the way in which music speaks across barriers to communicate the love and presence of God."
On Sunday, the choir sang at the Cathedral Eucharist in Lübeck Cathedral, with the Dean of Durham preaching a sermon. The Durham group received a warm welcome throughout the visit, reflecting the strength of the friendship between the two cathedral communities.
Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist says,
"It was an absolute delight to be able to visit our friends in Lübeck to present a number of concerts and services in the incredible churches there. It is some years since the Cathedral Choir has travelled abroad, and this provided us with an excellent opportunity to share our music making with a wider audience, and to experience the glorious acoustics which the churches in Lübeck have to offer. The Choir sang magnificently and the whole trip was a fitting tribute to our leaving choristers, as they gave their final performances in the choir."
