Music at the Cathedral

Click here for next Sunday’s Music List

Click here for the complete 10.00 Music List (Draft)

Click here for the complete 11.30 Music List (Draft)

St. George's has a fine musical tradition, with a diversity of musical styles represented at the different Masses, ranging from family hymns and congregational style worship at the 10:00 Mass, to instrumental and contemporary music from across the world at the 6:00 Mass on Sundays.

The Cathedral Choir, of men and boys, sings at the 11:30 Mass on Sundays and on major Feast Days, with a repertoire that encompasses Tudor Polyphony, Gregorian Chant, Baroque, and contemporary composers such as Arvo Part, John Tavener, William Mathias, and James Macmillan. The new Girl's Choir sings regularly at the 10am Mass, and once a month at the 11.30 Solemn Mass.

The Cathedral Choir, composed of men and boys, was formed in 1

848 when the original Cathedral opened. The Choir plays a special part in the Cathedral's community involvement and sings at the weekly 11.30 Choral Mass, together with the Christmas and Easter liturgies, holy days of obligation and, when required, at weddings, funerals and memorial services. Its repertoire ranges from plainsong and polyphony through to modern, 20th century music of a wide and varied nature.

The Choir sings for many special services during the year, and past events have included the visit of Pope John Paul II. But it's not all hard work! The choir has a lively social life outside the song room. Besides regular cinema visits and the inevitable trips to McDonalds, the boys have recently enjoyed trips on the London Eye, the London Frog, and even to the Metropolis City of Wine - to sing carol in the latter cases! All this is made possible through the support of an active group of parents and helpers.

At present there are 24 treble choristers, aged between 8 and 13 and 12 men. Auditions are held several times during the year, though the Director of Music is always happy to hear prospective candidates at any time.

Traditionally, cathedral choirs have provided an opportunity for children from all types of social background to become choristers solely by virtue of their outstanding musical promise. If your child is aged between 7-12 years of age, likes singing, lives within commuting distance of Southwark and would like to sing in services, concerts, broadcasts and recordings in the inspiring surroundings of St George's Cathedral, then we would like to hear from you. We welcome all enquiries. An informal hearing can be arranged at any time. Telephone 020 7202 2154 or contact Nick Gale for more information.

The Cathedral's music staff comprises the Director of Music, Nick Gale, and the Organist and Assistant Director of Music, Norman Harper. For biographical details see their informatoin on the staff pages.

Click here for the latest letter to parents of the Girls Choir

St George’s Cathedral Southwark, Cathedral House, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HY

Tel: 020 7928 5256 Fax: 020 7202 2189