Choirs to unite from Newcastle and Cologne cathedrals

Published September 2024

Originally published in Link Extra magazine

Newcastle Cathedral will host ‘Voices United’, an extraordinary evening of choral music, on Wednesday 16 October at 7pm. This special event will bring together Newcastle Cathedral’s Girl Choristers and Senior Girls’ Choir with the esteemed Cologne Cathedral Girls’ Choir for a unique and joyous celebration of music.

Founded in 1989, the Cologne Cathedral Girls’ Choir is one of Germany’s premier youth choirs, led by cathedral cantor Oliver Sperling. Known for their exceptional performances, they are regularly heard during Sunday services and concerts at the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the Cologne Philharmonic Hall on the stage of the Cologne Opera and across nearly every continent through extensive international tours.

Newcastle Cathedral’s choristers are a testament to the Cathedral’s dedication to nurturing young talent from across the region. The choristers, drawn from various local schools, benefit from a high-quality musical education programme that reflects the Cathedral’s commitment to welcoming people from diverse backgrounds. In line with many Anglican cathedrals, girls were welcomed into the Cathedral’s music department in the early 2000s.

The Girls’ Choir has quickly grown in prominence and now plays an integral role in the cathedral’s daily life. The musical foundation at the Cathedral is led by Director of Music Ian Roberts, and the female members today outnumber their male counterparts.

The concert will feature a joint repertoire performed by the combined choirs, promising an evening of unforgettable music in the Cathedral’s stunning surroundings.

Tickets for ‘Voices United: A Choral Celebration with the Cologne Cathedral Girls’ Choir’ are available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis through TicketSource, with a suggested donation of £10.