Girls join St Paul’s Cathedral Choir for first time in 900-year history
Girls join St Paul’s Cathedral Choir for first time in 900-year history
On Sunday 30th June, two girls from St Paul’s Cathedral School formally joined the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir as full choristers for the first time in its 900-year history. Sunday’s Choral Evensong service officially marked this historic event.
The Choral Evensong service was Lila (11) and Lois’ (10) first service performing with the Cathedral Choir as ‘made up’ Choristers, having undertaken specialist training in preparation. They have passed their probation, and have now taken up their positions as full members of the world-renowned Choir.
At the service, the girls were presented with their surplice, which is the white gown worn over the black cassock, symbolising their new status as St Paul’s Choristers. The Choir practices together daily, enriching daily services at the Cathedral with their voices.
They also sing in special services, concerts and events, including those of both national and international significance.
The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, said:
'It is a great joy to welcome Lila and Lois into the Cathedral community. It was profoundly moving to see the culmination of their hard-work, and God-given gifts on show, at the service on Sunday evening. I hope that Lila and Lois can be an inspiration to other young girls as to what can be achieved, in what is a huge milestone in St Paul’s 900-year history.'
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:
It has been a long-held ambition at St Paul’s to welcome girls’ voices into the Cathedral Choir. The Evensong service on Sunday was a wonderful occasion, officially welcoming Lila and Lois as full members of St Paul’s Cathedral Choir. We are all delighted that this day has come.'
Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, Andrew Carwood MBE, added:
'Lila and Lois have worked extremely hard in preparing for this day and we are delighted to welcome them to our musical family. I look forward to their bright futures in the Choir, which I’m delighted to see continuing to grow and flourish.'
Judith Fremont-Barnes, Head of St Paul's Cathedral School added:
'Everyone at St Paul’s Cathedral School is enormously proud of Lois and Lila. They have worked extremely hard during their training, bringing a consistently positive attitude and rising to every challenge. In addition to their music, Lois and Lila make a rich contribution in every area of school life from sport to art to science. We can’t wait to see them growing through their Chorister journey and inspiring the girls and boys who follow them.'
