King’s Ely: Voice Trials 2019 – calling all potential new cathedral choristers!

Children with a love of music and singing are being given the chance to join the world-famous Ely Cathedral Choir.

And this year, for the first time ever, auditions for both girl and boy Ely chorister places are being held on the same day – Friday, January 18th.

Being a chorister at Ely Cathedral and King’s Ely is something very special: singing Evensong in the cathedral; sharing life with the other choristers; being part of a happy, talented group of boys and girls – it’s an experience that will stay with them throughout their lives. For many, it will also mark the beginning of a successful and fulfilling musical career.

The choristers sing daily in the magnificent surroundings of the cathedral, and all are educated at King's Ely, receiving a scholarship which pays a generous proportion of their fees. Boys join the Cathedral Choir in Years 3 to 5. Girls join in Years 7 to 9.

The director of music at Ely Cathedral, Paul Trepte, and the director of Ely Cathedral Girls' Choir, Sarah MacDonald, are encouraging boys and girls from all backgrounds to audition. Paul Trepte said: ‘We are looking for potential rather than a fully trained singer! Enthusiasm, a good musical ear and a clear natural voice are the most important things. We also look for reasonable concentration and reading skills, and a supportive family. Membership of a cathedral choir is probably the best musical training a child can have, and Ely is proud to offer this opportunity to both girls and boys.’

The Voice Trials day will include a short and relaxed audition with the choir's director and music staff from King’s Ely. There will be a chance to visit the boarding houses and tour the school, and parents of candidates will be able to meet key personnel from both the school and the cathedral.

To book your child’s place for the auditions, please visit www.elycathedral.org/music/voice-trials-2019 or www.kingsely.org/news-events/taster-days. Alternatively, please call King’s Ely’s Admissions Department on (01353) 660707.

To find out more about girl choristerships before submitting an application, please contact Sarah MacDonald: (01353) 660586 or email sarahmacdonald@kingsely.org. For boy choristerships, please contact Paul Trepte: (01353) 660336 or email p.trepte@elycathedral.org.