LATEST NEWS
from Wells Cathedral Choir
Chorister’s Visit to St George’s Chapel, Windsor
On Wednesday 25 February, the Choristers set off for Windsor to sing Evensong in the magnificent St George’s Chapel. After arriving in Windsor, the group enjoyed lunch in the sunshine at Alexandra Gardens, complete with a well‑earned run-around, before making their way up to the Castle. The Choristers were shown to their rehearsal space, a space known as The Dungeon and were then taken on a fascinating tour of the Chapel, including a visit to the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Choristers then prepared for Evensong, singing music by Sarah MacDonald and Charles Villiers Stanford. It was a joy to see so many familiar faces from Wells in the congregation, including supporters of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust who had travelled to hear them.
After the service, St George’s School where the Chapel’s own choristers are educated, welcomed our singers for supper.
This was a hugely successful and memorable visit, and the Choristers were exemplary ambassadors for Wells. The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust was delighted to support the trip and is immensely proud of the dedication, musicianship, and spirit shown by every Chorister.
Wells Cathedral Choir - Tour Preview Concert
As you may have heard, there will be chance to hear Wells Cathedral Choir perform some of the repertoire from their forthcoming tour to Tuscany, in a concert in the Cathedral at 4.00pm on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Admission is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Tour Fund. Please do come along
Ceremony of Carols
On Saturday 7th February, the Choristers of Wells Cathedral, directed by Timothy Parsons, gave a beautiful performance of Benjamin Britten's a Ceremony of Carols. The Choristers were joined by the exceptional Mared Pugh-Evans, Harpist to His Majesty The King. The performers received a standing ovation for their wonderful performance. The Nave was filled with over 400 guests, creating a truly special atmosphere. We were especially pleased to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells to share in the occasion.
The Ceremony of Carols concert raised funds for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. WCCT exists to ensure, as best we can, that no child for financial reasons loses out on the life transforming opportunity to take up a place to be a Chorister. The Chair gave a special thanks to all the regular supporters of the WCCT, known as The Friends of WCCT. It is due to these valuable supporters that the Trust is able to provide bursaries for Choristers. There is more information about the Friends scheme here. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported, it was an afternoon to remember.
Sound of Wells Festival to include the WCCA
The Sound of Wells Festival will run from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th May 2026. This year’s Festival will include a special Evensong on Saturday 9th May with the Wells Cathedral Choir Association. Members of the WCCA will sing Evensong with the Cathedral Choir and the service will take place in the Nave. WCCA members will also be joined by the Chapel Choir of Wells Cathedral School and accompanied by a string orchestra from School. Former Choristers, Vicars Choral, scholars and organists of Wells Cathedral are invited to this special event as part of the annual gathering of the WCCA. This year’s repertoire will be Stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G major and the anthem Blessed City, Heavenly Salem by Edward Bairstow. This promises to be a particularly exciting chance to sing with a large choir in the Cathedral Nave, and we hope many will join us! For further information please visit the WCCA page.
The Tallis Voices Bring Renaissance Masterpieces to Life in Wells Cathedral
On Friday 16 January, Wells Cathedral was filled with music, reflection and artistry as The Tallis Voices returned for their annual promenade concert, directed by early‑music specialist David Allinson. An audience of over 200 enjoyed an evening of Renaissance music built around the theme of Psalms of Penitence and Praise.
The programme explored the ways in which Renaissance composers responded to the Psalm texts, from the confident opening of Victoria’s Dixit Dominus to the sombre intensity of Aires Fernandez’s Circumdederunt me. Reflections on Psalm 42 formed a central thread, with works by Taverner, Tallis, Palestrina and Cardoso offering contrasting colours and interpretations. Penitential works by Byrd, Tallis, Philippe de Monte and Morales deepened the reflective mood before the concert concluded in joyful celebration with Palestrina’s exuberant setting of Psalm 100, Jubilate Deo.
The Tallis Voices were led by David Allinson, a distinguished conductor, singer and scholar with a particular passion for Renaissance polyphony. With a background spanning Oxford, Durham and Exeter universities, and a career that includes teaching, research, broadcasting and directing ensembles across Europe, David brings deep expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every performance.
This rich and thoughtfully curated programme was shaped by Chris Lovell, whose dedication ensures the continued success of this much‑loved annual event. The concert was held in aid of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, and we remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support The Tallis Voices show each year. Their commitment not only enriches the cultural life of Wells but also helps sustain the musical education of the Cathedral’s Choristers.
Continuing the Festive Spirit
Ceremony of Carols 2025
With new research from Tearfund showing that nearly half of UK adults planned to attend a church service this Christmas, Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) is inviting local residents to keep the festive spirit alive with two special concerts early in the new year.
The first event sees the return of Tallis Voices for a distinctive promenade‑style performance on Friday 16 January at 7pm. For a truly immersive experience, chairs are removed from the Wells Cathedral allowing audiences to wander through the glorious building as the ensemble performs a programme of Renaissance choral music. This year the theme is on penitence and praise and is directed by David Allinson, a world-renowned specialist in early music.
On Saturday 7 February at 1.05pm, the Cathedral’s Choristers present Benjamin Britten’s much‑loved Ceremony of Carols, traditionally performed around Candlemas to mark the close of the Christmas season. Written for children’s voices and harp, the work is regarded as one of Britten’s finest.
This year’s performance will feature a special return appearance by HM The King’s Harpist, Mared Pugh‑Evans. Mared is the seventh official harpist to His Majesty since he re-created the role in 2000 in his position as Prince of Wales, to highlight the national instrument of Wales.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mared back and to begin another year of supporting young Choristers through our bursary programme,” said Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT. “This concert is always a highlight in the Wells calendar, and tickets tend to go quickly so we advise booking a ticket in advance to ensure a seat.”
Ceremony of Carols Booking Form
Both concerts are fundraising events for WCCT, which works to ensure that talented children from all backgrounds can access the unique musical education and experience offered at Wells Cathedral as a Chorister.
Although tickets for both performances are available on the door, it is advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Reflections from the Director of Music, Timothy Parsons
Director of Music, Timothy Parsons reflects of the successes of the year so far and looks forward to some exciting events for 2026.
Wells Cathedral Choir is in excellent heart and voice, currently boasting the full complement of 18 boy and 18 girl Choristers (all educated at Wells Cathedral School), nine Vicars Choral and three Choral Scholars, led by the Director and Assistant Director of Music and Organ Scholar. Highlights so far this academic year have included, most notably, a live broadcast of Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3, with music by Bruckner, Leighton and Sarah MacDonald, including a new work, Sing we merrily unto God our strength, especially commissioned from Matthew Martin. We are currently heading into the busy Christmas season and are particularly looking forward to our Carols by Candlelight concerts, some of the musical highlights of the year. In April, the choir will travel to Tuscany to sing in some glorious venues in and around Florence, Pisa and Lucca: this will be the first tour undertaken by the whole choir since well before the pandemic. We are magnificently supported by the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, which this year has launched a new initiative following a quick and highly-successful period of fundraising: the Coronation Fund is restricted for providing bursaries for children who require discounts of at least 95% from their school fees.
New Trustee - Dorothy Nancekievill
The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Dorothy Nancekievill as a new Trustee, strengthening the Board with her extensive experience and ties to Wells Cathedral School.
Dorothy has served as a Governor of Wells Cathedral since 2022 and now takes on the role of School-nominated Governor Trustee for the Chorister Trust. With a career spanning forty years in education across both State and Independent Schools, she brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the Trust.
Her distinguished career includes serving as Head of Farringtons School from 2015 to 2020, following her earlier role as Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School. During her tenure at Wells, Dorothy’s outstanding contribution to music education was recognised with the award of an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Beyond her work in schools, Dorothy continues to play an influential role in education and music. She is a Consultant Appraiser for the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) and serves as Conductor of the International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army.
Dorothy also has a personal connection to Wells Cathedral School as the mother of two sons, both of whom were educated there.
Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, as Dorothy’s experience, passion for education, and commitment to music will help guide and support the Trust’s mission to nurture and sustain the Cathedral’s rich chorister tradition.
High Sheriff Award for the Chair of the Trust
On Monday, 1 December, Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset, presented a High Sheriff Award to Arnold Wills, Chair of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.
The High Sheriff explained that these awards honour those who go above and beyond in serving their local communities.
‘Since becoming Chair in 2019, Arnold has worked tirelessly in support of the Cathedral music tradition and the Choristers of Wells Cathedral. In the past two years alone, the Trust has raised £500,000 for 95% or more, Chorister bursaries through the Coronation Fund. He is truly deserving of this recognition.’ said Janet
‘I am delighted and honoured to have received this award.’ said Arnold
Thank you to Robert Powell
Robert Powell and wife Sarah Powell.
On Tuesday 18th November, the Trustees of WCCT came together with past Trustees to bid a fond farewell to Robert Powell, a longstanding Trustee whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact. The gathering was both a celebration of his many contributions and an opportunity to express heartfelt thanks, marking the close of his remarkable chapter with WCCT. Robert, who has been appointed as Chair of Governors at Wells Cathedral School after many years as a Trustee. A former pupil of Wells Cathedral School and father to two alumnae, Robert has been a link between the School and the Trust. “Helping to raise the funds to enable young people to join the Choir and receive world-class musical training has brought me the most pleasure,” he says.
Robert counts amongst his highlights the many events that the Trust’s Royal Patron has attended. He has also seen many changes, including the pivotal 2011 amendment to the Trust Deed allowing fundraising for both girl and boy choristers.
Robert steps aside to “allow new Trustees with fresh enthusiasm to take it forward.” Said Arnold Wills, Chair of Trustees, “We thank Robert for his wisdom, perseverance, and common sense over the years, and I have appreciated his support and friendship. We hope he will continue to join us for events”.
Special thanks were also given to Robert’s wife, Sarah, who was involved at the very beginning of the Trust’s journey, generously supporting its start-up phase by helping with administration.
