Winchester Cathedral in talks with local choirs

There are further concerns at the likely authority of the next director of music at the troubled Cathedral. Ten local choirs have been called in for talks.

The Dean has issued a statement: ‘We have invited representatives of local choirs to an informal get-together in September with our new Interim Director of Music, Andrew Lucas. The Cathedral and its musicians have a vital role to play in the wider musical life of Winchester and Hampshire – and we would like to look at ways in which our bonds can be strengthened.

‘We’re look forward to exploring ways in which we can support local choirs beyond the Cathedral’s commitment to developing the central core of excellence and the tradition valued by so many.’

Of course, it’s good to involve local choirs but under the aegis of the director of music. Fears have been voiced of budget cuts to the Cathedral’s resident choir.

UPDATE: We have received the following from Canon Alison Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Winchester Cathedral:

The fears expressed yet again about the choral music and budget are completely without foundation. The purpose of the meeting with the local choirs is to strengthen relationships and explore ways to support them. It has no connection to the resourcing of the Cathedral’s resident choir. I would like to remind you that investment in music at the Cathedral will rise to as much as £850,000 this year – a 36 per cent increase since 2019/20 (before Covid) – with the bulk of the budget increase invested in the main Cathedral Foundation choir. Of the budget relating to new initiatives in the Music department of £108,000, 85 per cent will be directed to the main Cathedral Choir.