A proud tradition, open to all

Truro Cathedral Choir has an unbroken tradition dating back to the 1880s, when services were held in a wooden shed while John Loughborough Pearson’s cathedral was under construction.

In 2015, girls aged 13–18 joined the senior chorister programme for the first time, enriching the Cathedral’s musical life and laying the foundations for greater inclusivity. Building on that legacy, the 8–13 chorister programme now welcomes children of all genders, creating a fully mixed-gender chorister pathway and opening opportunities for more young people to experience the unique benefits of cathedral music.

At the heart of the programme is a commitment to nurturing each child’s potential. Through expert musical training, choristers develop exceptional singing and musicianship while also building confidence, teamwork, leadership, discipline and resilience.

All choristers attend Truro School. Younger choristers attend Truro School Prep before moving into the Senior School in Year 7.

8-13 choristers receive a 25% scholarship towards school fees, with additional means-tested bursaries available to ensure financial circumstances are not a barrier to joining the programme.

Truro Cathedral’s Director of Music, James Anderson-Besant, said:

“Truro Cathedral Choir’s chorister programme offers a unique education in singing and music in Cornwall for children of all genders. Through immersive musical training, choristers develop confidence, teamwork and leadership alongside exceptional musical skills. We are proud to nurture the next generation of singers while offering experiences and opportunities that stay with our choristers for life.”

Truro School’s Head, Andy Johnson, said:

“We are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with Truro Cathedral and the role we play in supporting its outstanding Chorister Programme. Together, we are committed to ensuring that talented young singers, regardless of gender or background, can access exceptional musical training alongside an excellent education, becoming part of a tradition that continues to inspire future generations.”

What are the benefits of performing as a Chorister in Truro Cathedral’s Choir?

• Perform music by some of history’s greatest composers with one of the country’s leading cathedral choirs.
• Sing in the magnificent surroundings of Truro Cathedral under the direction of specialist professional musicians.
• Take part in live broadcasts, recordings, concerts and occasional overseas tours.
• Receive a scholarship towards fees at Truro School, with means-tested bursaries available where appropriate.
• Develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and self-discipline through a unique musical education.
• Build lifelong friendships as part of a close-knit choir community

What is the time commitment of Truro Cathedral’s Choir?

The choristers (aged 8–13) rehearse every weekday morning from 8.00-8.45am.

The choir follows a two-week pattern of cathedral services.

Week A

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday: rehearsal at 4.40pm for the 5.30pm service (finishing by approximately 6.10pm).
• Sunday services at 10.00am and 4.00pm, with rehearsals beforehand.

Week B

• Monday: rehearsal from 4.40-6.00pm.
• Wednesday and Friday: rehearsal at 4.40pm for the 5.30pm service.
• No Sunday duties.

In addition to regular services, the choir sings at Christmas and Easter celebrations, concerts throughout Cornwall and, from time to time, undertakes overseas tours during the Easter or summer holidays. The full schedule is published well in advance.

How does the selection process work?

Official chorister auditions take place annually.

Applicants are warmly encouraged to audition regardless of previous musical experience. At this age, the emphasis is on musical potential rather than polished performance.

Children may choose to sing a short piece, such as a verse of ‘Away in a Manger’, before taking part in simple musical activities that assess vocal ability, listening skills, concentration and musical aptitude.

Applicants also complete Truro School’s admissions assessment as part of the selection process.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The choristers (aged 8–13) receive a 25% scholarship towards fees at Truro School.

Means-tested bursaries are also available, ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent talented young people from becoming choristers. Bursaries are reviewed annually and adjusted if family circumstances change.

Truro School Prep’s Head of Admissions is always happy to discuss scholarships and bursary support with prospective families.

Chorister Experience Day

Our annual Chorister Experience Day gives children the opportunity to discover what life as a chorister is really like.

Children spend time with the choir, explore the Cathedral, stand in the historic choir stalls, visit the rehearsal spaces, try on a chorister’s cassock and surplice, hear the cathedral organ up close and learn music alongside current choristers before performing in an informal concert.

The day is open to girls and boys in the appropriate year groups who enjoy singing and would like to find out more about the programme.