The choir at Coventry Cathedral originally sang at the parish church of St Michael’s which became the new cathedral in 1918. Continuing with the choral tradition of cathedrals in Britain it began awarding choral scholarships in the 1930s, but this was discontinued during WWII and after it had been destroyed in 1959. That year the Coventry Cathedral Choral Foundation was established to award scholarships to ten boys annually in preparation for the 1962 consecration service of the new cathedral.
The choir now perform music in many languages from a repertroire that spans at least a thousand years. Accompanied by the resident organist, the choir sing Choral Evensong and leads the Eucharist choral worship. It also performs at festivals at Christmas and Easter. The Director of Music is responsible for playing the organ and training and directing the choirs.
The choristers are boys and girls from within the city who receive a choral scholarship after a 3 month probationary period. They are trained by professional musicians to a Grade 5 level in singing and theory by the time they leave. The choristers are sometimes accompanied by the Choral Clerks who sing the bass, tenor and alto parts.
There are several resident choirs at the cathedral and they have performed many concerts, led services and been featured on broadcasts on television and radio.
The Coventry Cathedral Chorus, which was previously known as the St. Michael’s Singers, was formed in 1963 after the new Coventry Cathedral was consecrated.
The Cathedral Chamber Choir comprises 30 adult members who have been auditioned and performs fortnightly and at special events. It also performs at other venues and has appeared on radio broadcasts.
The choirs have performed on several recordings that include Coventry Cathedral Boy’s Choir, Evensong for the Feast of Epiphany, Carols from Coventry, Easter Alleluias and Communion In Coventry Cathedral on the Feast of The Reconciliation along with Christmas with Kiri Te Kanawa, Artist Portrait: Kiri Te Kanawa and 40 Most Beautiful Christmas Classics.
Sources:
- https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/worship-music/choirs-music
- https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/worship-music/choirs-music/join-our-choirs
- https://www.choralevensong.org/uk/coventry-cathedral-45.php
- https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/coventry-cathedral-choir
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/choir-of-coventry-cathedral-mn0002240362
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/5031034-The-Choir-Of-Coventry-Cathedral