Here at Belfast Cathedral we are thrilled to announce that we are recruiting for adult singers to join our choral foundation. With vacancies across all vocal parts, individuals interested in joining the Cathedral Choir as a Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass, are most welcome to arrange an audition with the Master of Music. A limited number of Choral Scholarships are available for students who are currently in full-time education. Full details can be found on the page below.
Join as a voluntary Soprano or Lay Clerk
The Cathedral choir has grown tremendously since a new start in 2023. It includes a full composition of Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses, and cathedral choristers.
Choral music has always played a significant and central role at Belfast Cathedral, since its consecration in 1904 when there was a Cathedral Choir of 48 voices (ladies, gentlemen, and 24 boy choristers). Since then, the choir has undergone various iterations, and it is currently in the process of opening a new and exciting chapter in its history.
The Cathedral Choir are responsible for singing and leading services of Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong each Sunday, and Choral Evensong each Friday in term-time, alongside the major festivals of the church calendar. In addition, our Choir sings at special services and occasions in the life of the Cathedral, and elsewhere within the diocese, ranging from memorial services to local and national events.
Why volunteer to join the choir here at Belfast Cathedral?
To be part of a musical tradition that spans over 120 years
To work alongside likeminded committed musicians, in a friendly and supportive environment
To perform some of the world's most beautiful music in one of Northern Irelands finest buildings
To make friendships and be part of a wider Cathedral family, with social events held throughout the year
Car parking provided in the heart of the Belfast city centre
What commitment is involved?
Members of the Cathedral Choir are expected to be present for the majority of Choral Services throughout academic term-time, with the schedule from September 2023 being:
Sunday 9.50am-12.15pm Choral Eucharist
Sunday 2.20pm-4.15pm Choral Evensong
Thursday 7.00pm-8.30pm Choir Rehearsal
Friday 4.45pm-6.00pm Choral Evensong
What are we looking for?
Previous experience of choral singing is desirable, alongside a sympathy with the work and ethos of the Church of Ireland, and a commitment to maintaining high standards whilst working as part of a team.
Are Choral Scholarships available?
Yes! Here at Belfast Cathedral we are delighted that a small number of Choral Scholarships can be provided to students who are currently in full-time/part-time education, wishing to join the Cathedral Choir as a Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass.
Full details can be found here:
How do I apply?
For further information about joining the Cathedral Choir and arranging an informal audition, please contact the Master of Music, Mr Jack Wilson, at jackwilson@belfastcathedral.org
Boy and Girl Choristers at Belfast Cathedral
Belfast Cathedral has a long history of having young choristers in its choirs. From 2024, Belfast Cathedral reinstated both Boy and Girl Choristers to lead our choral worship once more. Further details on how to become a chorister can be found here:
Our choristers are drawn from a wide variety of areas within Belfast and further afield. Every child is given the opportunity to receive a free, first-class musical education, make friends, and contribute to events of both local and national significance. Rehearsals are after school each Tuesday and Thursday in academic term-time, with our choristers leading our weekly service of Choral Evensong each Thursday at 5.30pm.
If you are interested in your child singing in Belfast Cathedral, please get in touch with our Organist and Master of Music, Jack Wilson at jackwilson@belfastcathedral.org
Hire the Choir
If you interested in hiring the Cathedral Choir for an occasion, please do get in touch, and we would be delighted if we can accommodate your request.
Join the Choir
The Master of Music is always pleased to hear from prospective Sopranos, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars, alongside preliminary enquiries for Boy and Girl Choristers.
Please complete the following form, and we will get back to you. Thank you.