The 150th anniversary of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir was marked at the Sung Eucharist on Sunday morning with past members joining the current choir.
Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir was founded in 1874 to sing at a new Sunday evening service (then known as the ‘Nave Service’). After a local appeal for singers to join, the choir sang its first service on Sunday 11 October 1874 when it numbered 82 voices.
The Voluntary Choir continued to go from strength to strength for many years, singing each week at the 6.30pm service, frequently covering the Cathedral Choir’s holiday periods, and undertaking tours to other British cathedrals.
The choir has continued to evolve over the years and having been a choir of boys and men for much of its existence, changed its form once more in 2021. It is now a group that welcomes girls and boys from across Worcester to be a part of Worcester Cathedral’s musical offering. The choir continues to sing each Sunday at 6.30pm, wearing their distinctive blue cassocks.
Worcester Cathedral marked the 150th anniversary of the Voluntary Choir at the Sung Eucharist on Sunday 13 October, which was sung by the Cathedral Choir, the Voluntary Choir and former members of the Voluntary Choir. The music included Widor’s setting of the mass for two choirs and two organs, and The Way of Life by former Director of the Voluntary Choir, Paul Trepte. This new anthem was commissioned by Worcester Cathedral as part of the anniversary celebrations. Following the service, former Voluntary Choir members enjoyed a gala lunch in the Chapter House, at which conversation flowed between former choristers and their choirmasters.
The Voluntary Choir is always looking for new members: if your son or daughter is aged 8-13 and would like to be a part of the next chapter of the choir, please contact Nicholas Freestone for further information: nicholasfreestone@worcestercathedral.org.uk.
