A Summer of Singing – Reflections from Stephen Mannings, Director of Music 

A Summer of Singing – Reflections from Stephen Mannings, Director of Music

Music Outreach – Big Sings and Junior Choirs 

The summer term of 2025 was a typically busy one for the Music Department. The staff of our Schools Singing Programme led four Big Sings at the start of July, across which nearly 2,000 children from our 26 partner schools performed. The children learnt twelve songs with an animal theme, that not only delighted audiences but also supported their learning through our music curriculum. 

At the end of that same week, our three Junior Choirs (Liverpool, Knowsley, and Sefton) came to the Cathedral to perform in our All Ages Sing concert alongside Liverpool64 and the Gilbert Scott Singers – a joyful celebration of music across generations.  

Towards the end of term, we hosted our Chorister Opening Morning, from which we welcomed 40 new members into Junior Choir Liverpool and eight new probationers into the Cathedral Choir. All of these children came from our Schools Singing Programme partner schools, which just goes to show how important the programme is to filling our choir stalls. 

Mass in Blue – A Highlight of 2025 

The highlight of the term for the Cathedral Choir was its performance of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue to a packed Cathedral. Our Honorary President conducted the performance, which brought together the Cathedral Choir, Liverpool64, the Gilbert Scott Singers, and many other singers from across the diocese. The band featured players from the Liverpool Concert Orchestra, and soloist Lorna James gave a truly electrifying performance. 

Cathedral Choir – farewells and new beginnings 

This term also saw the Cathedral Choir join forces twice with the Metropolitan Cathedral Choir: first for the Pentecost Walk, and later for a concert of English choral music at the Met.  

Among our slightly older members, we also said goodbye to several of our Choral and Organ Scholars. Roshan Hall leaves us to continue his veterinary studies on the Wirral; Edward Dawson is heading to Royal Holloway to study music and take up a Choral Scholarship; and Edward Carew goes to Worksop College, where he will serve as Organist in Residence for the next academic year. 

We were delighted, however, that Josie Baker, who completed her time as a Choral Scholar, will return in the autumn term as an alto Lay Clerk – only the second female to be appointed as a Lay Clerk in the Cathedral’s history. 

Consecration Sunday 

The term concluded with the Cathedral’s 101st Consecration Sunday. In the morning, the Cathedral Choir sang Vierne’s Messe Solennelle, with both organs in full voice under the hands of Professor Ian Tracey and Organ Scholar Edward Carew. Evensong brought the year to a close with a sensational performance of Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens – a fitting end to a term that showcased the energy, dedication, and joy of our choirs. 

Looking ahead 

As we look towards the autumn, I am excited for another season of music here at Liverpool Cathedral – from our Friday free recitals and special services to the 99th Anniversary recital of the Grand Organ. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our volunteers and supporters, including our Liturgy and Music Foundation members. 

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