Choral singing to resume at Canterbury Cathedral

THE age-old tradition of choral singing at Canterbury Cathedral resumes this weekend after its longest break since the English Civil War.

The choirs will return from a pause of nearly six months, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the first time, the daily performances of choral evensong will be streamed live online via the cathedral’s website, allowing a worldwide audience to tune in.

Dr David Flood, the cathedral’s organist and master of the choristers, said: “I am thrilled that the choir is coming back into action.

“I always say to the choir, if you sing into the cathedral beautifully, it will sing back to you.

“The building is part of the sound you make.

“As soon as you put our choir back in the building where they belong, the whole sound comes together, like putting a duvet round your shoulders,” he said.

The nearly six-month break in choral services is thought to be the choir’s longest since the English Civil War.

Oliver Cromwell banned music at the cathedral, leading to a break in choir singing lasting 11 years until the restoration of the monarchy.

The choir continued without pause during both world wars.

In a video uploaded to Instagram, a children’s choir was seen practising while maintaining social distancing ahead of its return this weekend.

The cathedral’s daily choral evensong services resume from tomorrow at 5.30pm every day, and can be attended in person at the cathedral or viewed live online via the cathedral’s website at canterbury-cathedral.org.