The grant of £4,980 to the Choir will be used for vocal tuition through providing a new training programme for pre-probationers and invaluable masterclass opportunities for more experienced choristers.

The visitors from FCM also attended the choir rehearsal before Evensong, and stayed for tea after the service with the choir, clergy and fellow supporters of cathedral music (see photo).

Karen Craig, the Diocesan representative of FCM said: “It was a privilege to listen to the choir as they rehearsed and to worship with them during Evensong. The tradition of live cathedral music spans 1,400 years. It is the UK’s oldest living cultural heritage, but this art form and the benefits it brings are at risk from rising costs. We believe it deserves to be sustained and strengthened. In 2016 FCM launched the Diamond Fund for Choristers to do just that. We are delighted that Peterborough has been awarded this grant. It is exciting to see the thriving choir, and to hear how this grant will help the choristers to further develop their singing.”

Tansy Castledine, Director of Music, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the grant from FCM and enormously grateful for their support.”

Meanwhile, Year 4 choristers are being formally admitted to the Choir following four terms as probationers. The girls received their surplices on 7th March and the boys will do so on 24th March. They will then take a full part in singing services.

At the other end of the chorister age range, the seniors in Year 8 are being offered the opportunity to conduct the whole Choir as they sing the anthem at Evensong.  “This is a way of offering a wider understanding of choral and church music as part of the choristers’ training, so that they can see possibilities beyond their role as a member of the Choir,” explains Tansy. “All those who have conducted did so with tremendous courage and skill. I am really proud of them.”

The Choir is busy rehearsing, as are the Youth Choir, Festival Chorus and Peterborough Choral Society, for their performance of Handel Dixit Dominus and Vivaldi Gloria on Saturday 23rd March. Tickets are available via www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/143/section.aspx/142/handel or call 01733 355315.

For more information about the Friends of Cathedral Music visit https://fcm.org.uk/