York Minster

Concert by York Minster Songmen

Published Friday 2nd June 2006 by Eleanor Course

On Friday 16th June at 7.30pm the Songmen of York Minster will be performing a unique concert in the beautiful Chapter House of York Minster.  This is a rare chance to hear the Songmen singing music that would not be part of a normal Evensong. There will be some serious music, and also be a more light-hearted section.  This concert has been organised by the Songmen to support the Minster Campaign, and all proceeds from this concert will go towards sponsoring stones on the East Front.

Tickets are available from the Development Office (01904 557245) or at the door. All seats are unreserved and cost £10, which includes a glass of wine.

Director of Development, Dr Richard Shephard said, “When Bishop John Earle, Bishop of Salisbury in the 17th century, wrote, “The Common Singing Men in cathedral churches are a company of good fellows who roar deep in the choir – deeper in the tavern”, he was thinking of the predecessors of the York Minster Songmen. For centuries, a group of altos, tenors and basses has served York Minster by singing the daily services in the cathedral. Their cathedral repertoire is drawn largely from English composers who have added to the liturgy from the days of the first Elizabeth to the present day.

“This is a rare event: the last sacred/secular evening hosted by the Songmen was twenty years ago in 1986. Discriminating music lovers will realise that 2026 is a long way away, and take this rare opportunity to hear the Minster’s musicians singing a slightly unexpected repertoire.”

The York Minster Development Campaign is aiming to raise £30,000,000 to fund the restoration of the East Front of the Minster.  The centrepiece of the East Front is the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  The medieval glass and stonework of the East Front are badly in need of restoration and structural repair.  If you are able to help keep York Minster in its full glory, please send cheques, made payable to ‘York Minster Fund’ to The Development Office, Church House, Ogleforth, York, Y01 7JN, or email richards@yorkminster.org.