The Trust will be a voice for cathedral music, upholding this integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage by campaigning on behalf of cathedral music and musicians, supporting cathedral choirs and choristers in need, and encouraging the pursuit of excellence in choral and organ music. Harry Christophers, CBE, founder and conductor of The Sixteen, has agreed to be the Trust’s first President.
The formation of the Trust has been made possible through the remarkable work of FCM which, since its launch in 1956, has given generous grants to Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, church and collegiate chapel choirs in the UK and overseas, including more than £2 million in the past six years alone. It has also endowed places for choristers and strived to maintain the glorious cathedral tradition of choral worship.
Building on the work of FCM, the Trust’s aims are to increase public awareness and appreciation of cathedral music, support and encourage all those involved in making cathedral music, and extend its range of grants to individuals, choirs and choral foundations. It is especially committed to enabling children from a diverse range of backgrounds to experience the many benefits that come from being a chorister.