Christ Church Cathedral has enjoyed a long tradition of music of the highest caliber in its liturgies and worship celebrations. There is a great deal of variety in the musical offerings at the Cathedral, where the choirs sing music that spans centuries, from Renaissance and Tudor motets and Bach cantatas to traditional Anglican choral pieces and new compositions by living composers. An expansive repertoire of organ music is heard on the 2003 Lively-Fulcher instrument both in worship and concert. Taizé services offer music in a contemplative setting on a monthly basis.

Music is a vital part of our Cathedral liturgies, uplifting and invigorating our worship, giving voice to our joy and soothing our souls in times of hardship and sadness. From the sounds of our youngest Choristers’ voices or the softest strings on the organ to the roar of the full Great Organ accompanied by brass at large festivals, music is at the heart of all we do.

The aim of the Cathedral musicians is to provide a continuum for musical involvement on which those interested in music may find themselves at any time, lending their voices and instrumental skills to create glorious music to the praise of God in this Cathedral. The Cathedral Choristers start their training and singing in weekly liturgies from second grade onward. The Cathedral Choir is a 32-voice auditioned and highly skilled choir that sings weekly liturgies, including Evensong several times a year and the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. The Parish Choir is a very fine volunteer choir that sings six times a year with a simple rehearsal before the liturgy in which they participate. Volunteer instrumentalists and singers provide music for the monthly contemplative Taizé service.