Sixth formers, students and adults

Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars

The back row of the Cathedral Choir consists of six professional Lay Clerks and several student Choral Scholars (alto, tenor and bass). Lay Clerks supplement their income in various ways. Some have moved to the North East especially to sing at Newcastle, and others commute from as far as Darlington and Durham to take a prestigious role in our choir.

Most Choral Scholars are studying at Newcastle University, Northumbria University, or Durham University. The Director of Music is pleased to hear from prospective Choral Scholars at the point of their university application, and voice trials can be paired with academic interviews.

Please see our vacancies page for any roles presently vacant.

We have an extensive list of Lay Clerk deputies, and are always keen to hear from appropriately qualified singers that have newly moved to the area.

Cathedral Consort

Created in partnership with Northumbria University and singing Evensong on Tuesdays during term time, this is an opportunity for university students and sixth form students across Newcastle and from further afield to benefit from singing a wide repertoire to a high standard in a liturgical setting. Much of the membership is made up of students from Newcastle University, some studying music and others studying a range of other subjects. The Cathedral Consort also forms part of an innovative Choral Scholarship scheme administered by Northumbria University. Prospective singers are required to be fluent readers of music.

Contact us here for more information or to organise an audition.

Cathedral Schola Cantorum

Formed in early 2017, this group offers a rare opportunity in English Cathedrals for adult sopranos and mezzo sopranos to regularly sing as part of Cathedral worship. Many of the singers are students at Newcastle University or Northumbria University, but membership is not drawn exclusively from the student population. Singing for Evensong on Mondays during term time, an exciting and innovative repertoire for upper voices is performed, stretching from plainsong to pieces composed especially for the choir. Schola Cantorum also sings a termly Sunday Eucharist, and their Christmas performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols is one of the choir’s annual highlights. Prospective singers are required to be fluent readers of music.

Contact us here for more information or to organise an audition.