Canterbury Cathedral Choir

Canterbury Cathedral Choir is one of the oldest and most renowned cathedral choirs in the world, with a history dating back to the establishment of Canterbury Cathedral by Augustine of Canterbury in 597. The choir has been shaped by the influences of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Henry Purcell, and has performed at numerous high-profile events, including the Coronation of Elizabeth II and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. The choir's repertoire includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Benjamin Britten, and has collaborated with conductors such as Simon Rattle and Nikolaus Harnoncourt. The choir is also closely associated with the University of Kent and the Gulbenkian Foundation.

History

The history of the Canterbury Cathedral Choir is closely tied to the history of Canterbury Cathedral, which was founded by Augustine of Canterbury in 597. The choir has been in continuous existence since the Middle Ages, and has been influenced by the works of Guillaume de Machaut, John Dunstaple, and Leonel Power. During the English Reformation, the choir was disbanded, but was re-established by Thomas Cranmer in the 16th century. The choir has also been associated with the Chapel Royal, and has performed at numerous State occasions, including the Coronation of Charles II and the Funeral of Queen Victoria. The choir has also been influenced by the works of Hubert Parry, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Organization

The Canterbury Cathedral Choir is composed of around 20 choristers, who are educated at St Edmund's School, Canterbury, and 12 lay clerks, who are professional singers. The choir is directed by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, who is currently David Flood, and is accompanied by the Canterbury Cathedral organ. The choir is also supported by the Canterbury Cathedral Choir Association, which was established by Herbert Howells and George Thalben-Ball. The choir has also been associated with the Royal College of Organists and the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

Music

The Canterbury Cathedral Choir has a wide-ranging repertoire, which includes works by William Walton, Michael Tippett, and James MacMillan. The choir has also commissioned works from composers such as Arvo Pärt, John Tavener, and Tarik O'Regan. The choir's music is characterized by its use of polyphony and harmony, and is often performed in the Canterbury Cathedral and other cathedrals and churches in the United Kingdom. The choir has also performed at numerous festivals, including the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The choir has also collaborated with other ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers.

Performances

The Canterbury Cathedral Choir performs regularly at Canterbury Cathedral, and has also toured extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. The choir has performed at numerous high-profile events, including the Coronation of Elizabeth II and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. The choir has also performed with conductors such as Simon Rattle and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and has collaborated with other ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers. The choir has also appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including BBC Radio 3 and BBC One. The choir has also performed at numerous festivals, including the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Notable_members

The Canterbury Cathedral Choir has been associated with numerous notable musicians, including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Henry Purcell. The choir has also been directed by notable organists and conductors, including Herbert Howells and George Thalben-Ball. The choir has also been associated with the Royal College of Organists and the Incorporated Society of Musicians. The choir has also collaborated with other notable ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers. The choir has also performed with notable soloists, including Dame Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge.

Discography

The Canterbury Cathedral Choir has released numerous recordings, including albums of choral music and organ music. The choir has recorded for labels such as Decca Records and EMI Classics, and has collaborated with conductors such as Simon Rattle and Nikolaus Harnoncourt. The choir's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and musicality, and have been awarded numerous prizes, including the Gramophone Award and the BBC Music Magazine Award. The choir has also released recordings of Christmas carols and hymns, which have been popular with audiences around the world. The choir has also collaborated with other ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers, on recordings of oratorios and symphonies. Category:Choirs