|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
The
Vicars Choral are the men of the Cathedral Choir. They
are not in holy orders; the word "vicar" comes
from ‘vice’ and simply means a deputy (as
in vice-president). The Vicars Choral were substitutes
for the canons. Ever since the 1100s they have sung
the daily round of divine services on behalf of the
canons.
There are generally nine Vicars Choral, all trained
singers, who are paid a stipend by the Chapter and are
provided with housing in Vicars Close which was built
in the fourteenth century by Bishop Ralph to house the
men of the choir. It remains a unique medieval street
and still houses all the organists and choir men as
well as other employees of the cathedral. The Vicars
Choral are supplemented by three Choral Scholars, making
a total of twelve men in the Choir, all of whom live
in the Close. Choral Scholarships are offered by the
Chapter generally to younger student singers for one
or two years, often immediately before or after they
attend university. In recent years we have also welcomed
singers and organists from Australia, Canada and the
USA.
The twelve men of the choir sing the daily services
in the cathedral together with either the boy or girl
choristers, performing a very extensive repertoire of
music from all historical periods and the present day.
At Evensong on Wednesdays, the men sing without the
choristers, allowing a different repertoire to be used,
in particular plainchant. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
