Leicester Cathedral Girls' Choir held its first rehearsal in September 1974 under the direction of the then Assistant Master of the Music, Geoffrey Carter, becoming the first Church of England cathedral to have a
female top line independent of the boys. We're fiercely proud of that fact and want to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of this historic event in style!
With our celebrations taking place on 14 and 15 September 2024, if you have been involved with Leicester Cathedral Choir over the past 50 years, whether as a singer, choir parent, member of staff, or just an appreciative member of the congregation, we'd love you to join us.
From a celebratory concert compered by Katie Breathwick, to a special Choral Evensong and exhibition, this is a milestone that we can't wait to celebrate with you!
O Sons and Daughters, let us sing: A Celebratory Concert
Saturday 14 September | 7.30pm
Singers past and present join forces to perform a range of repertoire from the Choir's last 50 years. Compered by Katie Breathwick, Classic FM presenter and former Leicester Cathedral Chorister.
Tickets £15/£12 available from Eventbrite. Doors open 7.00pm.
Choral Evensong
Sunday 15 September | 3.30pm
This special Evensong includes a new anthem, commissioned for the occasion from acclaimed composer Cecilia McDowall. Preacher: The Revd Dr Victoria Johnson, Dean of Chapel, St John's College, Cambridge.
The newly commissioned 'Prayer', an anthem composed by acclaimed composer Cecilia McDowall to mark the anniversary. McDowall said: "It has been a great privilege to be commissioned by Leicester Cathedral Music Foundation to write a work especially to mark the 50th anniversary. 'Prayer' is a setting of George Herbert's most evocative poem. In this new a cappella work the soprano soloist sings a soaring repeated phrase above the choir, to the words, 'Church bells beyond the stars heard'."
All welcome. No booking required.
Exhibition: The Voice of the Choir
2 – 30 September
As well as uncovering and celebrating the story of the first Church of England cathedral girls' choir, we will delve into the wider history of choral music and life as a chorister.
The exhibition will take audiences on a journey through the life of the Cathedral Choir, with recollections and memories from past choristers up to the present day.
No booking required. Open during our normal visiting hours.
