Friday 3 September 2021 signified a landmark date for the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, as for the first time since the chorus was formed in 1541, girls and boys played an equal role in Cathedral worship.
For the last 480 years, male choristers at Gloucester Cathedral have been educated at The King’s School Gloucester-, with each of them receiving a choral scholarship. The choir of female choristers was only established in 2016 and, although having contributed to many Cathedral services throughout the year, there hasn’t been total parity between the genders until now.
Gloucester Cathedral and The King’s School made the radical decision to start offering both girls and boys equal opportunities and financial support after so many years, meaning duties for the choristers will now be shared, allowing all to play a full and equal role at the cathedral.
Nia Llewelyn Jones, choral associate at Gloucester Cathedral, said ‘The girl choristers have achieved so much since their inauguration in 2016. Parity of status with the boys represents an important next chapter in their development, and in ensuring that gifted young singers of both genders can continue to sing God’s praises as part of the rich and historic musical worship at Gloucester Cathedral.’
For more information, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
