Why was it formed?

Music has been at the heart of the Cathedral’s worship throughout our history. A choir of men and boys have been singing the daily services almost without a break since the Reformation.

In the 1990s we wanted to expand the number of musicians performing in the Cathedral. As a result we founded the Consort of Singers in 1997.

Who is in the Consort of Singers?

The choir consists of roughly 24 adult volunteer singers.

How often does it sing?

The choir normally sings about four services in the cathedral during each University term. It sings services at times when the Cathedral Choir is not available. This includes evening Eucharists on major feast-days such as Candlemas and All Saints’ Day.

Members are normally expected to commit to attending all rehearsals and services.

Broadcasts and concerts

Its main function is to sing the liturgy. However The Consort of Singers also appears in concert, both on its own and with the Cathedral Choir.

2008 – performed in the Cathedral with James Bowman

2009 - appeared at The Sage Gateshead

2014 – performed at Alwinton Church, Northumberland

2018 – performed with the Cathedral Choir and Durham University musicians in a concert marking the centenary of the death of the composer Hubert Parry