Westminster Abbey Choir

The Westminster Abbey Choir is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest choirs of its kind. 

It consists of around thirty boys, who are students at the Abbey’s unique Choir School, and twelve professional adult singers called Lay Vicars. 

The Westminster Abbey Choir has a rich performing tradition spanning centuries and performs a diverse repertoire. 

This repertoire includes plainsong, Tudor polyphony, twentieth-century masterpieces, and newly commissioned works.

Establishment in the late 14th century, when Westminster Abbey was a Benedictine monastery, the primary role of the Choir was to sing the daily services. 

Additionally, it has become a central presence in numerous royal, state, and national occasions held at the Abbey, many of which are broadcast worldwide. 

Notable events include:

• the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• the diamond jubilee service commemorating the coronation of HM The Queen
• memorial services for prominent figures such as Peter Hall, Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela, and Terry Wogan

Alongside its liturgical commitments, the Westminster Abbey Choir engages in multiple activities, including recordings, concerts, and tours.

The choir is directed by principal conductor James O’Donnell. 

The Choir has performed extensively globally, including in the Far East, the United States, Russia, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Germany, and France. 

Noteworthy collaborations include the historic joint performance with the Sistine Chapel Choir at a Papal Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in 2012. 

Another commendable performance would be their return visit to Rome at the invitation of Pope Francis in 2017. 

The Choir presents an annual concert series at the Abbey, participates in the London Festival of Baroque Music, and has appeared at venues and festivals. 

The Westminster Abbey Choir has enjoyed a successful recording partnership with the Hyperion label. 

Their critically acclaimed catalog encompasses a wide range of repertoire spanning six centuries. 

This includes music collections for significant church celebrations, Tudor compositions by Byrd, Ludford, Taverner, and Tye, Parry’s ceremonial music, etc.

Featured Image: Westminster-abbey.org