Worcester Cathedral is offering young singers across Worcester and beyond the opportunity to join two of its choirs this autumn. 

The Cathedral’s ‘Find Your Voice’ campaign is encouraging young people to sing regularly in Worcester Cathedral, through membership of the Voluntary Choir, for younger singers aged 7-13, and the Youth Choir, for older singers aged 14-18. And this Sunday, 17 November, prospective Voluntary Choir members are invited to a ‘come and sing’ event at the Cathedral, where they can sing in the evening service and experience being a ‘Voller’ for themselves.

Starting at 5pm, participants will enjoy some singing games, look around the Cathedral, learn two new pieces of music and then sing with Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir at the 6.30pm service. The event will conclude around 7pm. There is no charge, and all are warmly welcome to attend.

Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir, for girls and boys aged 7-13, was first formed in October 1874 and, having just celebrated its 150th Anniversary, is one of the longest running cathedral voluntary choirs in England. It rehearses weekly on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and sings each week at the Sunday 6.30pm service.

In September 2021 the Cathedral founded a new youth choir, for teenage boys and girls aged 14-18. This exciting development allows singers in this age bracket from across the area an opportunity to engage with the Cathedral music department, meeting weekly on Tuesdays at 6pm to rehearse, and contributing to a range of services and events at the cathedral and in the local area.

Nicholas Freestone, Assistant Director of Music, said: “There really is nothing better than singing in a choir: the physical act of singing, the teamwork with other choir members and the opportunity to learn about new styles of music. 

“It really is excellent for mental health and wellbeing, not to mention the inspiration of singing in this glorious building on a regular basis and being part of a centuries-old tradition.  We are delighted to offer these opportunities to young people across Worcester free of charge and with no audition. 

“It really excites me that we are encouraging the young people of Worcester to Find their Voice.”