Chorister Experience and Cushion Concert – 31 January

The Choristers of Truro Cathedral are getting ready to welcome young singers to their annual Chorister Experience Day and Cushion Concert. The event is open to all children currently in Years 2, 3 and 4. Places are free of charge but must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected].

Taking place on Saturday, 31 January 2026 from 12.15pm to 3.30pm, the afternoon concludes with the much-loved Cushion Concert. During this informal performance, the choristers will present a short and accessible programme of music, with children from the Chorister Experience Day joining them for several pieces. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend the Cushion Concert, which begins at 2.30pm.

Choristers have been central to life at Truro Cathedral since it first opened in 1887. Alongside maintaining this proud and unbroken tradition, today’s choristers play a leading role in representing Cornwall’s vibrant arts scene on an international platform. Their work includes live television and radio broadcasts, recordings with some of the UK’s foremost orchestras, and participation in high-profile projects such as Grenfell: From Today, Sing2G7 and Britain’s Got Talent. Their most recent CD of music from the 17th century was released in November and has already received glowing reviews, and after Easter, the choir will travel to the Isles of Scilly for a four-day mini-tour.

James Anderson-Besant, Director of Music at Truro Cathedral, said, “The Chorister Experience Day is a fantastic way for children to discover what life as a chorister is really like. They will meet the choristers and learn about their daily musical life, stand in the beautiful choir stalls where they sing in the cathedral’s extraordinary acoustic, explore the crypt where rehearsals take place, try on a chorister’s cassock and surplice, and experience the power of the cathedral organ up close. Most importantly, they will have the chance to learn new music and sing alongside the choristers themselves.”

The chorister programme offers a truly world-class musical education here in Cornwall. All choristers at Truro Cathedral are educated at Truro School, where they receive a scholarship, with additional means-tested support available where required.

Becoming a chorister at Truro Cathedral brings exceptional opportunities, including live broadcasts, CD recordings and overseas tours, as well as scholarships and bursaries to support education at Truro School. Choristers also perform regularly with a distinguished choir, led by specialist professional musicians, in one of the South West’s most impressive buildings.

For further information or to reserve a place, please email [email protected].