Classical Concert and Cream Tea: Choristers & Young Songmen from Leicester Cathedral Choir

Christopher Ouvry-Johns, Director of Music at Leicester Cathedral

Christopher writes:
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, Leicester Cathedral bid successfully for funding from the Arts Council Cultural Recovery fund to sustain its musical life. During the first lockdown the choir gathered regularly online, but we quickly discovered that trying to sing with our microphones switched on was impossible because of the time delay (latency). Singing along to backing track pre-recorded by the staff musicians with participants’ microphones switched off was unrewarding: rather than building community as choral singing does so well, the experience was isolating and served only to heighten our sense of loss.

“In the second lockdown, we adopted a different approach and, for the first time, every Senior Girl Chorister and Young Songman was offered a free weekly online singing lesson. Since the easing of restrictions, we have been successful in securing grants from a range of trusts and foundations, including the Williams Trust and the Cathedral Music Trust to enable this work to continue, and, in 2021, were the second ever recipients of the Edington Festival Award.

“This afternoon’s concert showcases the work of a number of our singers, the youngest in their mid teens, the oldest in their early twenties. They will sing a variety of pieces, including art songs, folk music and familiar numbers from the world of musical theatre, accompanied by members of the Cathedral Music Department.”

Launde Classical Concerts offer the chance to hear an hour-long live concert in the company of some of the country’s leading performers, followed by a gorgeous Launde cream tea.

A Launde Abbey Fundraising Event.

Tickets £21 (or £16 for concert only). Call 01572 717254 or email info@launde.org.uk.