St Thomas' Parish Choir

The Parish Choir (as it is known) is a mixed choir of adults and children. As the cathedral is also a parish church, the brief of the choir is to provide the music for the parish worship that takes place. This is most notably on Sunday mornings at the main 0930 congregational Parish Eucharist each week, which is attended by a large and diverse congregation.

The choir provides a unique opportunity at the cathedral for girls and women to sing here on Sundays and at the major festivals of Easter and Christmas. Boys who perhaps cannot make the more full-time commitment of the cathedral choir are also able to sing. The choir teams up with the Cathedral Choir to sing at least four joint services each year, on special occasions.

Noted for the high quality of its singing, the choir currently rehearses weekly on Friday evenings in the new music centre at the cathedral, and before each service. All music, books, folders and robes are provided.

In addition to the core activity of singing, the choir enjoys regular social activities. The adults are good at organising ‘get-togethers’ for the whole choir involving food and drink, and the youth of the choir go on outings that have recently included cinema and swimming. There is an active choir committee that oversees the running of these.

Michael Tristram, Canon Pastor at the cathedral, said: “May I commend this unique opportunity to sing in marvellous surroundings without needing to commit the same amount of time that is required from our other choirs. With openings for all voices and professional training provided, perhaps now is the time to see whether your dream to join a choir can be fulfilled.”

Membership
Top line: girls, boys and ladies aged 7+
Altos: ladies and men
Tenors: men and boys aged 14+
Basses: men and boys aged 14+

Age
7 upwards

Eligibility
Anyone within the age range, who has passed the informal audition (no previous experience needed) and who can make the necessary commitment.

Auditions
These are held informally at any time. There are often vacancies in the choir as teenagers move on to university. Contact the music office for further details.

Director and Conductor
Oliver Hacock
Sub-Organist

oliver.hancock@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

(023) 9289 2966

Michael James Organ Scholar
Davdi Harris

Hampshire Choirs Good Portsmouth Cathedral Diocese St Thomas Parish

Think about the things that are true and honourable and right and
pure and beautiful and respected…And the God who gives peace will be with you.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9