Exciting Year of Change and Achievement for the Cathedral Choir
It has been a year of change, success, and exciting plans for Peterborough Cathedral’s music department.
Former organ scholar Adam Heron left to pursue his studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, where he is also serving as Organ Scholar at Coventry Cathedral. The Cathedral are delighted to welcome Jack McCabe as their new organ scholar, joining after a successful year in the same role at Worcester Cathedral. Meanwhile, our former choral scholar Liam Hicks is also headed to Birmingham Conservatoire, with Joshua Carpenter stepping into the role and already making a strong impression. Both Jack and Joshua have settled in brilliantly, making a great start to their time with at the Cathedral.
The back row has also grown, with the arrival of Pierce Cullen (Alto), Joe Byles (Bass) and Sean Douglas (Tenor). Pierce has also taken on the important role of Interim Singing Teacher, ensuring the highest standards of vocal training continue.
It has been a year of significant developments for our music leadership too. Director of Music, Tansy Castledine, began parental leave in November following the adoption of her little boy. During this time, Chris Strange has stepped up as Acting Director of Music, with Glen Dempsey joining at Easter as part-time Interim Assistant Director of Music until January. Looking ahead, Tansy has accepted an exciting new role as Director of Music at Rugby School, which she will take up in January 2026.
There was also cause for celebration when girl chorister Jasmine Barnes reached the final of BBC Songs of Praise Young Chorister of the Year. Her outstanding performance made the Choir, the Cathedral, the city, and herself extremely proud.
Looking ahead, the term promises to be a busy one, with a major recording project scheduled for October and November, the annual Remembrance Concert, this year taking place in the Cathedral’s New Building, and a special trip for our Senior Choristers and back row to Thorney Abbey to sing Evensong. Christmas, as ever, will be filled with concerts and services, much loved by the Cathedral community and beyond.
Beyond this term, preparations are already underway for a full programme of concerts both in the Cathedral and at local venues, alongside a rich series of special services. We are also excited to be planning joint Evensongs with visiting choirs from across the UK and further afield, strengthening our musical connections far beyond the Cathedral walls.
Submitted by Anne McDonald.
