Alexander Armstrong visits Guildford Cathedral to meet their young musicians

15 October 2021

This week saw the Cathedral Music Trust’s Ambassador Alexander Armstrong visit Guildford Cathedral for a special service of Evensong sung by the cathedral choir as part of his work encouraging young singers as they begin their journey as choristers. 

Alexander Armstrong, Cathedral Music Trust’s Ambassador said: ‘It was wonderful to go to Evensong at Guildford Cathedral after all this time, and to hear from the young singers what the experience of being in a choir is like for them. The opportunity to witness first-hand the incredible work that is going on in our country’s cathedrals every day, and hear the world-class music that is being produced, was very inspiring.’
 
‘I owe my entire career to my experience as a chorister, and so it was fantastic to have the chance to speak to young people embarking on the very same journey.’

Katherine Dienes-Williams, Organist and Master of the Choristers, said: ‘It was brilliant to welcome Alexander Armstrong for Evensong at the Cathedral. Alexander is an outstanding ambassador for cathedral music and our choristers were thrilled to meet him and share stories about their own experiences in the choir.’

Guildford Cathedral Choir was formed in 1961 and has established an impressive international reputation under the direction of five organists and masters of the choristers. This reputation for excellence has been founded on the tremendous commitment, energy and enthusiasm of parents, choristers and adult singers alike. In 2002 the establishment of the Girl Choristers augmented the Cathedral’s music foundation.

Between them the boy and girl choristers and the lay clerks provide music for seven fully choral services each week during term time. They also participate in a wide variety of musical activities which include recording, broadcasting and touring, as well as frequent concert appearances in the cathedral and elsewhere. 2021 sees the Cathedral celebrate its Diamond Jubilee Year with a busy season of events and activities.