Music at Guildford Cathedral

Music is and always has been at the heart of Guildford Cathedral, inspiring worshippers and visitors alike. Through the Cathedral’s choir and organists, we sustain the great English tradition of daily choral worship. We also host regular musical events and concerts. as well as providing new skills and experiences to local school children through musical workshops and outreach activities.

The story of the foundation of the Cathedral choir - one of a very few ensembles of its type to be founded in the 20th century - is as remarkable as the story of the Cathedral.

Since its inception in 1961 under Barry Rose, and under its successive directors Philip Moore, Andrew Millington and Stephen Farr, it has won an international reputation for its singing. Katherine Dienes-Williams took over the reins and became the first female Organist and Master of the Choristers in an English Anglican Cathedral in January 2008.

The basis of the choir's work is the regular singing of cathedral services, but there are other exciting activities, which include recording, broadcasting and touring, as well as frequent concert appearances in the cathedral and elsewhere. In recent years the choir has toured in France, Bruges and the East Coast of the USA.

All Cathedral services are of course free and open to the public; do visit the Cathedral soon to hear the choir sing.

Details of current vacancies can be found here.

Our music programme is supported by a wide range of generous individuals and Trusts. We are grateful to them all, including Hymns Ancient and Modern who are supporting us with the purchase of new music, music storage and theory books, vital for the education and musical excellence of our choristers.