Guildford Cathedral Choir To Feature Live On BBC Radio 3

Published on: 21 Sep, 2020
Updated on: 21 Sep, 2020

The Guildford Cathedral Choir has started to sing in services again after six months of restrictions due to Covid-19.

And they will be featuring in a live broadcast of choral evensong on BBC Radio 3 at 3.30pm on Wednesday, September 30.

Boys’ choir singing at Evensong in Guildford Cathedral in October 2019.

Katherine Dienes-Williams, organist and master of the choristers, said: “The look of pure delight on all our singers’ faces has been something to behold – the excitement is palpable.

“We are together as a team once more and can continue our offering of song, bringing joy to so many people.”

Places of worship in the UK were instructed to close in March due to the pandemic. The cathedral had a limited opening in July but without live singing.

Both the boy and girl choristers continued to have rehearsals until the end of the choir term. They recorded music and hymns for services broadcast via the cathedral on YouTube channel.

When the choir was on holiday, Sunday services were pre-recorded with music contributions from 12 visiting choirs from the UK, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.

Kathryn Dienes-Williams, organist and choir master, rehearsing with the boys’ choir last year.

But new guidance issued by the government and the Church of England has now allowed choral services to resume. This has been partially funded by the Church Commissioners.

The Very Revd Dianna Gwilliams, Dean of Guildford Cathedral, said: “Guildford Cathedral, like all 42 cathedrals in England, is open to all people, of all faiths and none. The size of our building enables appropriate distancing, provides space for quiet reflection and refreshment and choral services which are inspiring. All are very welcome.”

The Covid-19 arrangements mean that people have to register online before attending Sunday services, congregations observe the one-way system within the cathedral and wear a face covering (unless exempt).

Choral evensong will take place usually on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at 5.30pm. On Sunday at 9.45am there is a choral service of Holy Communion and at 6pm a service of choral evensong.

Based on a press release from Guildford Cathedral.