York Minster

York Minster Choir to receive substantial grant from Friends of Cathedral Music

Published Thursday 20th September 2007 by

 A cheque for £17,000 from the Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM) will be presented to the York Minster choir on Saturday 22 September, immediately following the 5.15pm Evensong service.  It will be used towards an endowment of an FCM Choristership.

Canon Precentor at York Minster, the Revd Canon Jeremy Fletcher, said, “The Friends of Cathedral Music’s support of the music of York Minster is appreciated in every possible way here.  It is absolutely fantastic that FCM has awarded us a grant of £17,000 for the long-term support of choristerships and we are grateful indeed.  It goes alongside all sorts of more specific and unseen support offered by local members.  Long may it continue!”

The cheque will be presented by Michael Wiles, FCM’s representative for the Diocese of York, who said, “The Minster, as with all cathedrals, strives to keep up the unique tradition of cathedral music which is part of this country’s priceless heritage and one of the things we do well.  FCM strives to support all our cathedrals in two ways: by our presence at services and events, and, of course, financially.   We are, consequently, delighted to be supporting the music at the Minster and helping secure its long term future.”

FCM’s Chairman, Professor Peter Toyne who will also be at the presentation said, “As a Yorkshireman in exile it gives me particular pleasure to be able to ‘come home’ and to support our great Minster at this crucial time in the continued development of its music foundation.”

Since its formation just over 50 years ago, FCM has given nearly £1½ million to the choirs of cathedrals collegiate and large parish churches throughout Britain.  Last year alone it gave a record-breaking £¼ million to help ensure the continuance of Britain’s wonderful and unique choral tradition.