Belfast Cathedral recently hosted two fabulous and free ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ events, during which children were able to experience the life of a Cathedral chorister.
Almost 70 children, aged between 7 and 12, came from schools across Belfast and from towns throughout Northern Ireland such as Lurgan, Whitehead, Dollingstown, and Banbridge for the event. They participated in singing games and workshops and met some existing Cathedral choristers.
Parents were invited to attend the introduction and warm-up session at the start of the day and learnt how to breathe properly for singing with some amusing techniques. During the event the children were given a Cathedral tour. They were also treated to a demonstration of the mighty Cathedral organ. Here they heard all the many different sounds of the instrument, from the very highest sounds to the lowest (and quite amusing) sounds, and from the softest to loudest.
The day culminated in children processing in chorister robes into the Quire stalls of the Cathedral where they took part in a short service for family and friends. The children performed the anthems A Prayer of St Richard of Chichester by contemporary composer Richard Allain and Lord of the Dance arranged by new director of Music at Belfast Cathedral, Matthew Owens.
Every ‘chorister’ for the day was presented with a certificate by the Dean of Belfast Cathedral, The Very Reverend Stephen Forde, and signed by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Matthew Owens. In addition they each received a Belfast Cathedral medal, which made the procession out in front of family and friends even more special. At the end of the day there was a drinks reception for family and friends at the West End of the Cathedral.
Would you like to find out more about becoming a chorister in the Belfast Cathedral Children’s Choir?
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a chorister and auditioning for the newly-formed Belfast Cathedral Children’s Choir please email the Cathedral’s new Director of Music, Matthew Owens. He is always happy to hear from prospective chorister parents and can be contacted via email – music@belfastcathedral.org