Central to the life of the Cathedral Choir are the six Lay Clerks, or singing men. These professional singers have provided the backbone of the choir since the monastic foundation was dissolved in 1536.
Responsibilities and benefits
The Lay Clerks sing six services per week (two on Sunday and none on Saturday). They perform with the Choristers or Girls’ Choir or as their own ensemble together with the Choral Scholars.
The Lay Clerks are salaried members of the Cathedral staff and live locally following various other careers as teachers, administrators and academics. They are expert musicians who can turn their voices to a huge repertoire of music of all ages from Ockeghem to Schoenberg. They are necessarily very skilled sight-readers.
Many famous professional singers have served the Cathedral in the past, and many come here today to continue their training prior to studying at a Conservatory.
How to apply
Vacancies appear from time to time and will be advertised here. If you would like to offer your services as a deputy Lay Clerk then please contact the Master of the Music, David Lowe (01603 626589).