Photo © Shaun Turnbull The Minster Choir with Alexander Woodrow (Director of Music) and Ed Jones (Cathedral Music Trust Local Ambassador)
As part Celebration Sunday and their Eucharist service on 16th November 2025, Leeds Minster thanked Cathedral Music Trust for the £16,200 2025 Award, to support a Choral Scholarship programme.
“Let every instrument be tuned for Praise!”
To mark a host of occasions, there was a feast of music on show at Leeds Minster on Sunday. As marked by other beneficiary churches on the date, Celebration Sunday for Cathedral Music Trust was joined by a Baptism alongside the newly formed Children’s Choir’s contribution to the rich heritage of the building.
The first hymn, of which the above’s quote is taken from, showed a profound proudness and priority in the Minster’s vision – When in our music, God is glorified, set to the tune ‘Engleberg’. The mass setting was Vierne’s glorious Messe Solennelle, which immediately gave the celebratory service a kick start – an exciting Gloria, robust Sanctus and Benedictus and lyrical Agnus Dei. Organ boisterous obviously, with the Minster Choir rising to the occasion magnificently…!
It was lovely to see the new choral scholars sing in the choir, seamlessly standing alongside the stalwart members who give so much. I found is most heartening that the newly formed Children’s Choir had joined the service. They were invited to stand amongst the Minster Choir for the Sanctus and Benedictus to observe, but also to join in singing the communion motet, Tye’s O come, ye servants of the Lord.
It continues to astound me that choral singing can seamlessly include those from 8-80 years old, and show the younger ones the trajectory of how much church music can play a part in their lives. In the midst of the music, there were two baptisms. While they weren’t part of the choir (yet?!) it was promising to further the Minster’s care for the younger generation.
The blessing was given by the Children’s Choir, who sung some words set to Tallis’ Canon – Dismiss us with thy blessing Lord in unison and latterly canonic verse. Delicately performed and such a heartfelt contribution to the service. In an abrupt change (but still very much delightful), Shaun Turnbull’s voluntary, Carillon de Longpont also by Vierne was a fiery end to a great occasion.
Alexander Woodrow has certainly shown the congregation great dedication to the future, and gracious to the support of Cathedral Music Trust. Paul Maybury, Rector of Leeds, has too shown deep rooted appreciation of encouragement and assistance. Across the whole Minster foundation, there is great cheer amongst the musical offering, and hunger for more.
While still in early days, their efforts in recruiting children and supporting choral scholars ensures the future of church music. We look, listen and watch eagerly for the future of this remarkable place. I feel it right to ponder on F.P. Green’s words of the above hymn, where the Minster are surely ‘fine-tuning all available instruments’.
Thank you to Ed Jones for this delightful write up!
