Following a Diocese-wide consultation in 2023, the Cathedral reaffirmed its commitment to the English Choral Tradition, alongside a long-term strategy to strengthen and sustain choral music through education, outreach, and partnership. This has seen the Cathedral offer parity to girls and boys in the Cathedral Choir and the appointment of the Cathedral’s first female Lay Clerk. There is also a vision for the introduction of a choral scholarship programme from September 2027 within the Cathedral Choir, for which the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust is launching fundraising next month.

In early 2025, a clear consultation process took place to establish a way forward for that vision with the Lay Clerks. Proposed changes ranged from the choir’s timetable to an improved fee structure and overall staffing model. These changes form part of a carefully planned transition intended to support the future strength and sustainability of the Cathedral’s music.

We can now confirm that six posts will conclude over the coming months, with opportunities to remain involved as deputies. These Lay Clerks depart with the Cathedral’s sincere gratitude for their contributions to the ministry of this place.

Decisions were not made on the basis of age. Those departing and those remaining represent a wide range of ages, and age was neither a criterion nor a determining factor. With members of our Cathedral choirs ranging in age from 4 to over 80, the Cathedral remains committed to supporting members of our choirs and orchestra at every age and stage of their musicianship.

St Albans Cathedral continues to celebrate choral music at every level. We are blessed with 50 choristers, and our recent Be a Chorister for a Day events welcomed over 80 children to sing at Evensong. Choristers, boys and girls, join with our Lay Clerks as the Cathedral Choir. The Cathedral also supports a thriving Junior Choir, Youth Choir, Parish Choir, and Parish Orchestra. This work is further supported by the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust’s Excellence for Everyone campaign, which underpins our commitment to high-quality music for all.