The Cathedral Music Trust says:
"We are proud to be investing half a million pounds in cathedral music for 2024 through the Trust’s financial support programmes, including the Cathedral Music Support Programme and the Church Choir Award.

"These awards will support music departments to continue and further their brilliant work both in their own cathedrals and churches, and in the wider community – across England, Scotland and Wales.

"At the heart of this vital funding is our commitment to championing excellence in choral and organ music, and providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to thrive and develop."

Jonathan MacDonald, Chair of the Cathedral Music Trust, says:
"This investment of £500,000 represents the largest annual sum Cathedral Music Trust has ever distributed through its regular financial support programmes.

"Our cathedrals and parish churches continue to face financial challenges in sustaining the nation’s wonderful heritage of choral and organ music, and this support signals the Trust’s ongoing commitment to securing a bright future for this cherished tradition."

The Revd Pete Gunstone, Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture at Bradford Cathedral, says:
“We are very grateful to the Cathedral Music Trust for the financial support they have given us to enable the provision of three new professional Section Lead & Lay Clerk roles. This singers will play an important role in supporting our voluntary cathedral choir and the development of its members.

“We will be shortly releasing application packs and anticipate auditioning candidates during August, to begin the role shortly thereafter.”

Graham Thorpe, Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral, says:
“We’re really excited for the next stage of the development of our music department. Having the support of three regular professional singers will enable our Cathedral choirs to approach even more exciting music and projects.”

You can find out more on the Cathedral Music Trust website.