Lichfield Cathedral - Music in the Cathedral

Music in the Cathedral

A Cathedral is a signpost inviting people to worship. Lichfield Cathedral was founded on Christmas Day 700 and, virtually every day for more than 1300 years, people have worshipped God here. The present building, one of England's architectural jewels, dates to 1195. Its fabric has been wonderfully restored in recent years. It stands as a beacon of faith and hope in the middle of England, a powerhouse of prayer for our large diocese and the whole region.

But what goes on inside the Cathedral is what really matters. This building was designed to be filled with the music of worship. A choirboy singing softly at one end can be heard clearly at the other. When the organ swells and the choir is in full voice, the wonderful sound rolls around the aisles and the rafters drawing the whole building and everyone in it into the praise of God.

Organ and choir together are thus central to what we are about. We have a splendid and rich choral tradition, maintained and developed superbly over the years.

Outside school terms, the music is maintained by visiting choirs and the Lichfield Cathedral Chamber Choir. As in many Cathedrals, Lichfield is host to choirs from home and abroad particularly during the summer holidays from late July to early September. The Cathedral Music List is available on line and it details all of the services and music sung.

In 2000 work on the restoration of the great Hill organ was completed, as part of the successful £4m music campaign, by Harrison and Harrison of Durham. The work included provision of a nave extension situated in the north nave triforium.

For further information about the Choral Foundation, and the Cathedral organ, please visit www.Cathedralchoir.org.uk - the Internet home of Lichfield Cathedral Choir.