About us

Since our foundation in 1956 (as Friends of Cathedral Music), we have made a positive difference to the lives of many thousands of children, young people and adult musicians across the UK and Ireland.

In 2020, we became a new charity, Cathedral Music Trust, building on the former organisation’s foundations, aiming to support excellence, broaden participation and increase the long-term sustainability of the cathedral music sector.

Our Mission

To transform lives through the power of cathedral music.

 

Our Vision

A world where people from all walks of life have the opportunity to benefit from a high-quality, well-resourced and valued cathedral music scene which enriches our choral tradition for years to come.

Who We Are

Anna Lapwood speaks during a talk

Our People

Get to know the people behind Cathedral Music Trust, from our Patrons and Ambassadors to our wonderful volunteers.
Stained glass at Gloucester Cathedral

Our Story

Delve deeper into our journey so far, from our formation by the Revd Ronald Sibthorp in 1956 to the present day.

Our Impact

Our support has a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people

We have invested in programmes that both widen participation by giving youngsters their first taste of cathedral music, and that develop expertise, through the training of choristers, organ and choral scholars, and by supporting professional roles within cathedral music departments.

Our investment enables music departments to enhance what they already achieve as well as develop new work, giving them time to evaluate its success and secure the means to continue the work beyond the scope of our support.

Choristers singing in Middlesborough RC Cathedral

This generous award paves the way for choral music to reach children of all backgrounds, enabling them to build skills, confidence, and a love for singing. Our projects strengthen community ties, support Cathedral choral tradition, and inspire the next generation to engage deeply in music, worship, and lifelong artistic growth.

Nia Llewelyn Jones, Assistant Conductor and Leader of the Gloucester Cathedral Singing Academy at Gloucester Cathedral

THE TRUST IN NUMBERS

27

AWARDS MADE IN 2025

208

AWARDS MADE SINCE 2020

£7,500,000+

GIVEN IN SUPPORT SINCE 1956

What We Do

Members of Croydon Minster choir sing during a rehearsal

How we help

Our programmes help to transform lives through cathedral music. Our work builds on the foundations of our predecessor charity, Friends of Cathedral Music, and addresses challenges and opportunities presented to the sector both now and into the future.
magazine cover

Our publications

Cathedral Music is our flagship magazine, delivered to our Friends and Patrons twice a year, and our monthly newsletter, Cathedral Voice, contains the latest news from across the choral world. We also commission research into cathedral music.
3-26 St-Davids-cathedral

Our Events

We hold gatherings across the UK and Ireland, showcasing the very best of our choirs and organs. Gatherings are a great way to get closer to the Trust and meet fellow cathedral music lovers. We also hold other events such as online quizzes and conferences.

Get Involved

Show your support and make a real difference to our cherished tradition.

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