Friends and supporters of St Albans Cathedral Music gathered at Hatfield House for a special evening celebrating the work of the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust and the remarkable musical tradition of the Cathedral.

The evening began with a concert in St Etheldreda’s Church, given by the Cathedral Choristers, whose work continues a tradition of music-making at St Albans stretching back more than twelve centuries. The programme spanned five centuries of choral music, from the Renaissance to the present day.

The concert opened with John Rutter’s much-loved For the Beauty of the Earth, performed in the presence of the composer himself. The programme also included works by Parry, Mendelssohn, Franck, and Kristina Arakelyan’s contemporary work You Know Me. Fittingly, the concert concluded with John Scott’s beautiful arrangement of How Can I Keep from Singing?

Following the concert, guests gathered in the Old Palace at Hatfield House, where Lord Salisbury generously hosted a drinks reception and dinner.

During the evening, guests heard moving reflections from Sir John Rutter, who spoke about the enduring importance of the English cathedral choral tradition and its influence on the musical life of this country. William Fox, Director of Music the Cathedral, spoke about the Cathedral’s musical community today and the role it plays in nurturing young musicians.

A highlight of the evening was the launch of the St Albans Cathedral Choral Scholarship Programme, an important new initiative that will support young professional singers at the start of their careers. The programme will create three year-long scholarships — for alto, tenor and bass — allowing early-career singers to sing regularly with the Cathedral Choir while developing their professional experience.

The scholarships are designed to bridge the vital transition between student and professional musician, strengthening the Cathedral Choir while helping to sustain the wider tradition of English cathedral music for future generations.

The St Albans Cathedral Music Trust is seeking to raise £1.1 million to endow the three scholarships in perpetuity, ensuring that this opportunity for young singers will continue for generations to come. Donations toward the programme can be made here.

The Cathedral is deeply grateful to Lord Salisbury and the Cecil family for their generous hospitality, and to all those who attended the evening in support of the Cathedral’s music.