Genre

:

Choral

 

Durham Cathedral Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been enchanting audiences with its soulful performances for over 900 years. The choir is based in Durham Cathedral, a magnificent Norman building that dates back to the 11th century. The ensemble is made up of 20 boy choristers, 12 adult singers, and 6 probationers, all of whom are trained in the art of choral singing. The choir was founded in the 11th century, shortly after the construction of Durham Cathedral. The first choir was made up of monks who sang the daily services in the cathedral. Over the centuries, the choir evolved and expanded, and by the 19th century, it had become a mixed choir with both male and female singers. However, in 1920, the choir reverted to an all-male ensemble, a tradition that has been maintained to this day. The choir's main members are the boy choristers, who are between the ages of 8 and 13. They are selected through a rigorous audition process and are trained in the cathedral's choir school. The adult singers are professional musicians who come from all over the world to sing with the choir. The probationers are young singers who are in the process of auditioning for a place in the choir. Durham Cathedral Choir has a rich history of major performances and awards. One of its most notable performances was at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The choir sang the anthem "I was glad" by Sir Hubert Parry, which has since become a staple of British coronations. The choir has also performed at numerous other royal events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. In addition to its royal performances, Durham Cathedral Choir has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. The choir has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and has recorded numerous albums. Durham Cathedral Choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the choir was awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Choral Performance for its album "The Music of Sir Harrison Birtwistle." The choir has also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards, as well as a Classical BRIT Award. In addition to its performances and awards, Durham Cathedral Choir is also involved in a number of charitable activities. The choir regularly performs benefit concerts for various charities, and has raised thousands of pounds for organizations such as the British Heart Foundation and the NSPCC. In conclusion, Durham Cathedral Choir is a world-renowned classical music ensemble with a rich history of performances and awards. Its members are highly trained and dedicated musicians who have enchanted audiences with their soulful singing for over 900 years. The choir's performances at royal events and prestigious concert halls, as well as its charitable activities, have made it a beloved institution in the world of classical music.

More....