Choristers from Truro Cathedral Choir have been invited to join the choirs of Westminster Abbey and HM Chapel Royal Choir, St James’s Palace to sing at the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, on Saturday 6 May, alongside young singers from Methodist College, Belfast.
Truro Cathedral is home to boy choristers aged 8 to 13 and girl choristers aged 13 to 18, as well as twelve adult professional singers. The chorister programme, run jointly by Truro Cathedral and Truro School, provides a pathway in Cornwall for musically gifted boys and girls to achieve world-class excellence, whilst being personally and pastorally supported to develop friendships within a close-knit team that sings together most days of the week. The choristers are all educated at Truro School where they receive scholarships, with additional means-tested assistance as necessary. Choristers from further afield than Cornwall can also board at the school.
The Interim Dean of Truro, Simon Robinson, said: “We are honoured that some of our choristers have been invited to be part of the choir at the Coronation. What an amazing opportunity this is for these young Cornish musicians whose singing enhances our worship here at Truro Cathedral throughout the year. Their success is a testament to their skill and dedication, as well as the support of Truro School and our cathedral music team.”
The Head of Truro School, Andy Johnson, said: “We are immensely proud of the commitment and talent of our chorister pupils and are thrilled that these girls have been invited to serve the King and the Queen Consort at their Coronation. It is an honour to be able to support them throughout this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Truro Cathedral’s Director of Music, Christopher Gray, said: “What our cathedral choir does each day is extraordinary and very highly valued by those who attend the cathedral. The boy and girl choristers uphold an unbroken tradition that goes back to the 1800s here in Truro, and earlier still in places like Westminster Abbey. I’m thrilled that their talent will now be seen on the world stage at the Coronation. I have no doubt that, at Westminster Abbey, these choristers will be the finest possible ambassadors for Cornwall and its vibrant arts scene.”
For those wishing to know more about the Cathedral and School chorister partnership, more information is available from Truro Cathedral’s website (www.trurocathedral.org.uk) or Truro School’s website (www.truroschool.com). For those keen to become a chorister in Truro, auditions will take place in early March for boys, who usually apply in Year 3 for entry as they join Year 4 in September. Girl chorister auditions have already taken place for September 2023 entry, but girls currently in Year 7 can express interest ahead of applying next year, for entry in Year 9. Information on how to register an interest or apply is available via the links detailed above.
Visit the Westminster Abbey Website for the full announcement.
