Genre

:

Choral

 

Ely Cathedral Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been enchanting audiences with its ethereal music for over a millennium. The choir is based in Ely Cathedral, a magnificent medieval cathedral located in the city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. The choir is made up of boy choristers, girl choristers, and adult singers, and is led by the Director of Music, Paul Trepte. The origins of Ely Cathedral Choir can be traced back to the 10th century when a group of monks established a monastery in Ely. The monks were known for their musical talents and would sing during their daily prayers. Over time, the choir grew in size and reputation, and by the 14th century, it had become one of the most renowned choirs in England. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, and Ely Cathedral was no exception. However, the choir was able to survive thanks to the support of the local community, who recognized the choir's importance to the cultural heritage of the region. The choir continued to perform throughout the centuries, and in the 19th century, it was re-established as a full-time choir. Today, Ely Cathedral Choir is made up of around 20 boy choristers, 10 girl choristers, and 12 adult singers. The boy choristers are aged between 8 and 13 and attend the King's Ely School, where they receive a first-class education and musical training. The girl choristers were introduced in 2006 and are also students at King's Ely School. The adult singers are professional musicians who come from all over the UK and beyond. Under the direction of Paul Trepte, Ely Cathedral Choir has become known for its exquisite performances of choral music from the Renaissance to the present day. The choir performs regularly in Ely Cathedral, as well as in other venues across the UK and abroad. The choir has also recorded several albums, including "The Ely Cathedral Choirbook" and "A Year at Ely." One of the highlights of Ely Cathedral Choir's calendar is the annual Christmas Eve service, which is broadcast live on BBC Radio 4. The service, which includes traditional carols and readings, attracts thousands of listeners from around the world. The choir has also performed at several high-profile events, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Ely Cathedral Choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2016, the choir was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of music by Thomas Tallis. The choir has also been nominated for several other awards, including the BBC Music Magazine Awards and the International Classical Music Awards. In addition to its musical performances, Ely Cathedral Choir is also involved in a range of educational and outreach activities. The choir runs a successful choral scholarship program, which provides talented young singers with the opportunity to receive training and perform with the choir. The choir also works with local schools and community groups to promote the importance of music education and to inspire the next generation of musicians. In conclusion, Ely Cathedral Choir is a world-renowned classical music ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. The choir's exquisite performances, dedication to music education, and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the region have made it a beloved institution in the UK and beyond.

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