The Trust welcomes two new Trustees

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust welcomes two new Trustees to the Board.

Mark Groom is in full time independent practice as a consultant occupational physician. His lifelong love of music has included piano study with Benjamin Frith in Leeds and forming the Northwood Piano Trio.  He continues to play chamber music as time allows.  Mark sang with the chantry Singers in Bath under Elizabeth Bates and now sings with the Wells Cathedral Chamber Choir.  “Music is fundamental to achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health.  I promote the benefits of music avidly and am delighted to support the WCCT in its endeavours." says Mark.

Andrew Wilson completed 35 years at the BBC in January 2025 with roles including Head of BBC West in Bristol and most recently was responsible for all BBC leadership development. He’s now a coach and facilitator, mainly at board level. Andrew and his wife are both members of the Wells Cathedral Oratorio and Andrew is a regular organist at Wells Methodist Church. “I relish the opportunity to contribute to WCCT’s mission to make our world-class musical environment more accessible; I am passionate about the power and potential of music to transform lives.” remarks Andrew.

The Chair of the WCCT, Arnold Wills, commented “I am so pleased that Mark and Andrew have agreed to join our Board of Trustees. It will be wonderful to be supported by two people who bring both a wealth of expertise and a passion for music. I am really looking forward to working with both of them.”

The new High Sheriff of Somerset becomes a Patron

We are delighted that Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset for 2025/26 has agreed to become a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust during her time in office. Her Declaration of Office took place on 23rd March at the Legal Service held in Wells Cathedral. We wish Janet every success for the coming year, and we look forward to seeing her at some of our future events.

Thank you to Rob Beckley, the outgoing Sheriff, for his invaluable support as a Patron of the Trust during the last year.

You can read more on our Patrons page.

Exciting Partnership Announced

We are delighted to announce a strengthened partnership between the Wells Cathedral Choir Association and Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. In recent years the two organisations have been working together, especially in organising the successful Girls30 Celebrations. Building on this success, the WCCA is now officially part of the WCCT structure, benefitting from its administrative support. This development, backed by Arnold Wills the Chair, of the WCCT, and the full Board of Trustees, marks a significant and positive step forward.

The Annual WCCA reunion is scheduled for Saturday, 26 April 2025, we hope to see as many former choristers as possible. To sign up for this event please follow this link.

For more information or to stay connected, visit the WCCT website or email choirassociation@wcct.co.uk.

A Magical Afternoon at Wells Cathedral

Choristers Shine in Britten's A Ceremony of Carols

On Saturday 1st February, the Choristers delivered an outstanding performance of Britten's A Ceremony of Carols in the breathtaking setting of the Nave at Wells Cathedral. The concert was filled with enchanting music that resonated through the historic walls of the cathedral, leaving the audience in awe.

Conducted by the Director of Music, Timothy Parsons, the Choristers showcased their exceptional vocal abilities and artistry. The Choristers were privileged to be accompanied by HM The King’s Harpist, Mared Pugh-Evans on this occasion. Their harmonious rendition of Britten's masterpiece captivated the audience from start to finish.

The audience, moved by the exquisite performance, gave the Choristers a well-deserved standing ovation. The applause echoed through the cathedral, a testament to the power and beauty of the concert.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the hundreds of people who attended and supported the work of the Trust. This was a truly special event.

Be a Boy Chorister for a Day

Wells Cathedral has vacancies for boys who would like to join the famous Wells Cathedral Choir! 

If you know a boy who may be interested, on Saturday 15 March 2025, the Cathedral is holding a Be a Boy Chorister for a Day event.
 
Boys aged between six and nine who love to sing can experience what it is like to be a Cathedral Chorister. There will be fun singing workshops, and the day will end with them taking part in the Evensong service alongside the Boy Choristers of the Cathedral Choir.
 
Later in the year, on Saturday 20 September 2025, there will be the annual Be a Chorister for a Day event which is open to all children.
 
Here is a link to further information on the Wells Cathedral website, including a wonderful short video of the Choristers explaining how they feel about Chorister life in their own words - https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/worship-and-music/choristerships
 
If you would like further information or to register for a place at either event, please contact Melanie Lawlor via musicoffice@wellscathedral.org.uk.

Be a Chorister for a Day (Boys) | Wells Cathedral School

Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Visit

We were delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset on Thursday, 16th January, for a meeting with our chairman, Mr Arnold Wills.

Tallis Voices 17th January 2025

On Friday, 17th January, we were delighted to welcome back the Tallis Voices to the Cathedral. Over the past 20 years, the Tallis Voices have been invaluable supporters of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, with their remarkable performances helping to raise over £30,000 for the charity - a truly outstanding achievement.

The concert featured four thematic sections: War & Peace, Exile, Grief & Remorse, and Reconciliation through Christ. It was a deeply atmospheric evening, with the beautiful voices of the Tallis singers resonating throughout the Cathedral.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Tallis Voices Musical Director, who is stepping down after two decades of generously sharing his time and exceptional talent.

A Ceremony of Carols: Recording Released!

We are delighted that the Choristers’ new video recording of Benjamin Britten’s wonderful A Ceremony of Carols has finally been released. You can watch the recording above and we strongly recommend that you take the 20 minutes or so to relish this consummate performance of this exquisite seasonal work and enjoy a moment of calm in this often all-too-busy season!

The recording was made earlier this year with harpist Olivia Jageurs, and the then Acting Director of Music, Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton said:

“One of the joys of a cathedral choir is that it is ever-evolving, as probationers begin their journey and senior choristers move on, often after many years of dedicated service. At this point in the summer term with just a few weeks to go before the end of the Cathedral Choir year, this always feels like the point when the Choristers are at the top of their game.

“I wanted to plan a recording project to capture this transient moment, before the Choir disperse for the summer and a new chapter begins in September. Over the past three evenings, the Choristers have worked incredibly hard recording Britten’s magical A Ceremony of Carols, a piece which they adore.Recording both audio and video, and trying to capture the essence of live performance is a demanding process, but every Chorister rose to the challenge and gave their all.

“It has been a huge pleasure to work with harpist Olivia Jageurs, producer Barry Rose, and sound engineer David Hinitt to create something together which I know will be very special indeed.”

The Choristers’ annual performance around Candlemas of this special piece has become a much-loved fixture in the Cathedral calendar, supporting the work of the Trust. The Choristers next concert performance of A Ceremony of Carols will be on Saturday 1 February 2025. You can book tickets for this live performance via the button below.

Zino wins Composition Competition!

Huge congratulations to Chorister Zino, who has been named CSA Chorister Composer of 2024, having won the junior (under 14) category of the 2024 Choir Schools' Association Composition Competition)!

The competition, in memory of Sir David Willcocks, is a prestigious annual contest that invites any cathedral and chapel choir choristers, as well as young composers at choir schools, from all across the UK to create original musical compositions. There have been many distinguished adjudicators over the decades, including Sir David Willcocks himself. This year's entries were judged by Jonathan and Charlie Willcocks, professional composers/musicians, and the son and grandson of Sir David Willcocks.

Zino's winning composition is a setting of Psalm 111:1-2, 'I will give thanks unto the Lord', for SATB choir and organ. The Cathedral and School are very proud of Zino's great achievement!

https://www.choirschools.org.uk/competition-celebrates-the-work-of-young-composers/

A New Patron

Alexander Hamilton (centre) with the Choristers (February 2024)

We’re delighted to announce that Alexander Hamilton, former Acting Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music, has agreed to become a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. Alexander worked tirelessly during his tenure to provide a first-rate experience for the Cathedral Choristers and to support the work of the Trust. The Trust, and the wider Cathedral community, will always be grateful to him for the dedication and skill with which he led the Music Department, during sometimes challenging times. We look forward to welcoming him back to a number of events soon.

You can read more on our Patrons page.