The grant will support three Choral Scholars and a Conducting / Organ Scholar from September 2024 for one year. As a result of the generosity of Cathedral Music Trust’s many friends and patrons, this year they have been able to support cathedral music-making in all its forms – from school engagement and chorister development programmes to paid adult and training positions – all essential to a thriving English Choral tradition for the future. The impact of this investment is enormous, with almost £450,000 awarded in grants in total this year, assisting 26 choral foundations, supporting 50 professional posts, enriching over 250 weekly choral services, and impacting more than 1,000 young choristers and many more thousands of young people through community work. Following the publication of the ground-breaking report into the Future for Cathedral Music in September 2022, the Cathedral Music Trust has undertaken extensive research to identify gaps in provision for cathedral musicians of all ages. In response, they are in the process of developing a number of educational initiatives aimed at opening up pathways into choristerships for young people of all backgrounds, and supporting the development of early career conductors, singers and organists across the country – inspiring the next generation.

Peterborough Cathedral has a rich choral heritage and this generous grant from the Cathedral Music Trust will help to secure important roles which are key to the Cathedral’s choral worship. With eight sung services a week, the grant enables the choir to maintain its high standard, diversify its repertoire, and provide invaluable training positions for youth church musicians from all backgrounds as we seek to secure a future generation of choral singers, conductors, and organists. A cathedral scholarship is a training unique in its depth and breadth of opportunity, and we are thrilled to be able to continue offering this important step in professional development from September 2024 onwards.  

For more information about the Cathedral Music Trust visit: https://cathedralmusictrust.org.uk

For more information about musical opportunities at Peterborough Cathedral visit: https://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/home/music.aspx