Truro School choristers travelled to Exeter Cathedral on Sunday to join the Exeter Cathedral Choir for both the Sunday Eucharist and Evensong.
It was an early start for our choirsters, to allow them time to rehearse with the Exeter Cathedral Choir before singing together in the 10.00am service, performing music by Lassus and Byrd.
There are already strong links between the two choirs. Truro chorister Rupert first sang as a chorister at Exeter, while Exeter choral scholars Celia and Adam previously held scholarships at Truro. Truro School’s Director of Music, James, also once worked at Exeter Cathedral as Assistant Director of Music, so the visit was a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends old and new.
Following the morning service, the group enjoyed coffee and biscuits with members of the congregation, while some of the choristers headed out to the cathedral green for photographs ahead of an eagerly anticipated football match. After lunch, everyone walked to the sports fields at Exeter School, where the two choirs played return football fixtures from two years ago. Both teams played with determination and skill, but on this occasion, the Exeter choristers secured impressive victories in both the junior and senior matches.
In high spirits, the group returned to the cathedral to focus once again on what they love most, singing. Rehearsals took place in the beautiful medieval Quire, preparing music for Evensong, including Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale and S. S. Wesley’s anthem Wash Me Throughly. The choice of music had a meaningful historical connection, as S. S. Wesley was the grandson of Charles Wesley, whose influence helped shape the foundation of Truro School, and served as Organist at Exeter Cathedral in the 1830s.
With around 55 singers performing together, the combined choirs produced a rich and inspiring sound that filled the cathedral. The congregation responded warmly, and the day ended on a high note after Evensong.
The visit provided a rare opportunity for choristers from two historic institutions to come together in music, sharing traditions while celebrating the strong connections between their choirs. Truro School is extremely grateful for the warm hospitality of the team at Exeter Cathedral, particularly Director of Music Timothy Noon, as well as the school and cathedral staff who generously gave up their Sunday to make such a special day of singing, football and fellowship possible.
