Something very special has been happening upon our holy hill in St Albans!
As the sun rises and the city awakens, committed young individuals have been hurriedly making their way towards the open doors of the Cathedral, eager to start their pre-school day in a purposeful way.
For five days a week, travelling from all corners of the city and beyond, they come together, stand tall, stand proud, warm up their voices, concentrate, breathe deep… and sing!
They are the choristers of the Cathedral. Committed children. Exceptional individuals. Girls, boys and newly recruited probationers who not only share a common dream to join one of the finest cathedral choirs in the country, but also share the most magnificent moments.
Sunday February 9 was one of them.
In the stunning setting of the Cathedral nave, standing beneath an impressive seven metre diameter lunar landscape installation of the Moon, they performed an unforgettable programme of lunar-themed music in a concert titled ‘Music by Moonlight’.
Beautiful voices and spine-tingling compositions lifted the hearts and souls of the 600-plus audience members while the spherical Moon sculpture shone bright.
This was more than just a concert, this was a journey to the heavens, planets, stars and Moon and back!
Directed by William Fox, the Cathedral’s director of music who oversees all aspects of the Cathedral musical life, and together with the lay clerks team of professional adult singers, an exceptional programme of music unfolded that made St Albans proud.
Soprano Paula Sides, organist Ben Collyer and the Abbey Singers youth choir all played a significant part in making sure the audience had an afternoon to remember.
For the choristers, it was also very special. Hours of devoted rehearsals and a determination to reach the highest standards of performance with the Moon-themed music were richly rewarded.
“I was nervous,” remarked one of the choristers. “This was my very first concert. But when I looked out and saw the Cathedral full up of people, and they all started applauding, I just enjoyed everything. It was a great feeling.”
Being a chorister is not just high moments and huge audiences. It is a devotion to the study of rich choral music which means following a packed schedule of rehearsals that take place before and after school.
Daily choral services, tours, broadcasts and recordings are also part of chorister life and despite the strict discipline that goes hand in hand with the study of music, the yearning to be part of the Cathedral life is more than popular.
Chorister recruitment days attracted around 100 keen youngsters to the Cathedral, with many of them keen to audition and gain a highly sought-after place in the choir. Undoubtedly, the Music by Moonlight concert will plant the seed of hope to even more eager individuals who will long for a chance to join this special group of musical talent.
The Dean of St Albans, the Very Reverend Jo-Kelly Moore said she was delighted to witness the Music by Moonlight concert and experience the choir in this powerful and unique setting.
“Music is the heartbeat of our Cathedral. It was a joy to watch this concert and hear our choir at their best. We have such a level of talent and enthusiasm that is nurtured in our choir family. Our Cathedral Choir is there for boys and girls – and for the future.”
William Fox, the Cathedral’s director of music, was equally delighted by the breathtaking afternoon and the high level of performance by the Cathedral choristers.
“Sunday’s concert was very special. We are so lucky in St Albans to have our exceptional choristers and their families who give so much to be part of our Cathedral Choir. Whether it’s singing to 600 people at Sunday’s concert, or to a handful of people at a weekday service, they are great ambassadors for St Albans and our Cathedral. You would be most welcome to come and hear us sing in the Cathedral nearly every day in term time.”
The Museum of the Moon is an installation by artist Luke Jerram and is still available to view from 9am until 5pm until it closes this Saturday.
Words: Julia Bell
Photos: Toby Shepheard
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