Highlight of the Week

Once a Chorister Annual Festival

Last weekend, Llandaff Cathedral and The Cathedral School hosted the Once a Chorister Annual Festival - a national gathering of members of the Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers Associations.

Over 40 delegates from all over the UK arrived on Friday evening. Among the Cathedrals and other Choral Foundations represented by their former choristers were Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, St Albans Abbey, Christ Church Oxford, Eton College, Durham, Norwich and Salisbury Cathedrals and many more. Many former choristers of Llandaff Cathedral also attended, with a good representation of choristers from the 1960s, 1980s and more recent leavers.

The delegates gathered over tea on Friday before attending Evensong sung by the current Boy Choristers, performing music by Stopford and Day. Later that evening, it was the delegates turn to do some singing as they joined the Back Row of the Cathedral Choir to sing the service of night prayer, Compline.

Saturday was busy, starting with a short recital and demonstration of the Cathedral Organ was followed by a tour of the Cathedral. At midday, delegates watched an outstanding Lunchtime Recital by CSL pupils, many of which were former choristers, followed by the opportunity to tour the School before gathering for the main service of the Festival weekend, Evensong. The massed choir of over 70 voices included the current Cathedral Choristers and many of the visitors; so many voices that staging was needed to fit everyone in! The Choir sang large-scale music by Stanford and Elgar and were given a round of applause during the service. The Festival Dinner was hosted by CSL in the Memorial Hall. Former Head, Lindsay Gray, spoke about his experiences in church music, founding the Girl Choristers in Llandaff and his hopes for the future.

On Sunday morning, the delegates attended morning Eucharist performed by the Girl Choristers, the final event of the Festival weekend. Many commented on the standard of the Choir’s singing over weekend.

It is intended to re-establish an Association of Former Choristers - both boys and girls - of Llandaff Cathedral and to have an annual gathering each September. Please keep an eye out for future updates. To view the full gallery, please click here: www.cathedral-school.co.uk/gallery