York Minster

The Choir

The Minster Choir normally sings on Sundays at 10.00, 11.30 and 16.00; on Tuesdays to Saturdays daily at 17.15. The Choir's term dates for 2008 are:

Spring Term: Wednesday, 9 January to Sunday 23 March inclusive (Half term: Monday 11 to Monday 18 February inclusive)

Easter break: Monday 24 March - Tuesday 15 April inclusive (including a Tour to Italy 8 - 13 April)

Summer Term: Wednesday 16 April - Sunday 20 July inclusive (Half term: Monday 24 May - Monday 02 June inclusive)

Autumn Term Wednesday 03 September - Tuesday 25 December inclusive (Half term: Monday 18October - Monday 27 October inclusive)

The boy and girl choristers are aged 8-13. They begin each day with a practice, and then follow a normal schedule at the Minster School.

At the close of the school day, the choristers return to the Minster for a rehearsal with the men in preparation for Evensong.

Services are normally sung by either the boys or the girls, in conjunction with the men. The boys and girls rarely sing at the same service, although for special occasions the whole choir of boys, girls and men will sing together.

If you are thinking of making a special journey to hear the Choir, we suggest you check the list of services on this site, call us on 01904 557200 or email info@yorkminster.org to check details before you come. During the choir's vacation periods some of the services are sung by visiting choirs.

A selection of recordings of the York Minster Choir is available from our secure Online Shop.

Could your son or daughter be a chorister?

Being a chorister is a superb experience for a child and gives a wonderful start in life as a musician. Choristers are educated at the Minster School. The Dean and Chapter provide a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards the cost of school fees.

If your son or daughter is aged 6-8 and you are interested in his or her becoming a chorister at York Minster, please contact the Headmaster, The Minster School, York YO1 7JA, telephone 01904 557230, fax 01904 557232 or email school@yorkminster.org

The next chorister auditions will be held on Saturday, 26th April 2008. We are looking for boys currently in school year 2. Please contact The Secretary, The Minster School, York YO1 7JA, telephone 01904 557230, fax 01904 557232 or email school@yorkminster.org.

The Headmaster, Alex Donaldson and the Master of the Music, Philip Moore, are always keen to talk informally to parents of children who are interested in becoming choristers. 

Songmen and Choral Scholars

The Minster Choir has 12 men, including Songmen and Choral Scholars. The Master of the Music is always eager to hear from those who are considering Alto, Tenor and Bass choral scholarships, as well as those interested in becoming Songmen. Please contact The Master of the Music, Church House, York, YO1 7JJ, or email carolined@yorkminster.org

All ex-choir members are welcome to join the York Minster Old Choristers' Association.

Weekly Service Plan

To see the plan of daily services and choir music, follow the link back to Home > Worship & Spirituality at the head of this page.

Top of Page

York Minster Choir receives substantial grants

A cheque for £17,000 from the Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM) was presented to the York Minster Choir on Saturday 22nd September 2007, immediately following the 5.15pm  service of Evensong. It will be used towards the support of choristers. The cheque was presented by Michael Wiles, FCM's representative for the Diocese of York. Prof. Peter Toyne, the FCM's Chairman, was also present.

The Minster Choir has also recently received a grant of £50,000 from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, again for support for choristers. Together with grants  from the Friends of York Minster (£167,000) and the Pilling Trust (£30,000) the Music part of the Minster's Development Campaign is in good heart, but is always looking for more!