Voices blending Heaven and Earth!
The York Minster choristers are aged 8-13. They begin each day with a practice, and then follow a normal schedule at the Minster School.
At the close of the school day, the choristers come back over the street from the School to the Minster for a rehearsal with the men, ready to sing the afternoon service of Evensong.
The Dean and Chapter give each chorister a scholarship which covers 80% of their school fees.Former members of this choir have their own group: the York Minster Choir Old Boys’ Association. It dates back to its inauguration on May 8, 1907. Some 66 Old Choristers attended that First Reunion, and it was reported in the ‘Yorkshire Herald’: "The many ‘old boys’ gathered together found that it was indeed pleasant to renew old friendships and associations, and to once again sing together within the grand old Cathedral." Today this association is still surviving and has held Reunions almost every year for nearly a century.
York Minster, in the heart of Northern England, has a history which dates back to the days of Roman rule. They have an extensive website which includes an interesting history section.
Click on the picture for a sample of their music-- a video featuring Latin text, Enlgish translations, and short interviews with the boys.
The Hutchins School
This choir was established in 1993 and made its first appearance at the School's Anniversary Evensong in August of that year.
It prides itself on its versatility, emulating the English cathedral traditions, as well as exploring repertoire by Australian composers.It is the only all-male choir of its kind in Tasmania. The Choir is the only co-curricular activity at the school where an eight-year-old boy can participate and perform at the same level as an eighteen-year-old. This unique situation fosters a strong sense of teamwork and leadership among the boys. Click on the pictures OR HERE to enjoy a Real Audio (stereo) sample from their 1999 CD "To be a Pilgrim". The performance was directed by Choirmaster Steven Morris. You can also visit their WEBSITE.
Since the opening of the Cathedral in 1903, the choir has sung daily services, and it is now one of very few Roman Catholic Cathedral Choirs in the world to do so.The Cathedral Choir consists of approximately 24 boy choristers. Their busy schedule means that they are required to board in the school. The lower voices of the choir are provided by ten lay clerks, professional singers employed by the Cathedral. The choir is under the direction of the Cathedral's Master of Music, Martin Baker, and his two full-time assistants. In addition to their choral activities both within and outside the Cathedral, choristers take part fully in the academic, spiritual and social life of the Choir School. All choristers learn two musical instruments.
To see a Real Video of the choir, CLICK HERE!
The choir sings everyday in the cathedral. It also regularly broadcasts, records and performs on tour, visiting in recent years Italy, Holland, France, Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, and Brazil. Director of the Wells Cathedral Choir is Malcolm Archer. The choristers are students at the Cathedral Choir School. More information about the cathedral and choir is available at their website.
To hear and SEE a performance by this traditional English choir of men and boys (from around 1991), click on the picture at left!
