Premiere for Cathedral's chorister recruitment video

A film designed to help recruit younger choristers to Brecon Cathedral had its premiere yesterday.

The film was made thanks to a grant from the Cathedral Music Trust and was premiered after yesterday's Eucharist service.

Young choristers provide the traditional top line of the cathedral’s choir but Covid-19 restrictions have made traditional methods of recruitment difficult.

Stephen Power, the Cathedral’s Director of Music, said: "The video was produced with funds made available through the generosity of the Cathedral Music Trust’s Emergency Fund grants scheme, which raised over £1m nationally for use by choral foundations in response to the impact of loss of income through the pandemic.

"One obvious side-effect of the pandemic, which is being keenly felt here in Brecon, is the lack of recruitment opportunities in schools during the pandemic. Even now we are relying on technology to reach schools who are still unable to welcome us in, so this video is a vital tool in this area of our work."

The choral tradition in Brecon relies on volunteers but there are many benefits associated with being a member of the cathedral choristers.

"These include a first rate musical education, regular performance opportunities, building up confidence in singing, free instrumental tuition, recording opportunities and touring," Stephen said.

A special singing day for children is being planned for Saturday, 14 May.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about singing opportunities at Brecon Cathedral should get in touch with Stephen Power at directorofmusic@breconcathedral.org.uk