Stretching from Truro in the south to Orkney in the north, Britain is a country blessed with many beautiful cathedrals. And a large percentage of them boast exceptional choirs, filling these wondrous buildings with music on a daily basis.
Traditionally, these used to consist of boy trebles in the front row, and men singing alto, tenor and bass behind. Today, though, girls and women are also part of this glorious cathedral choral scene which is stronger now than ever before.
Wherever you live in the UK, the chances are that there is first-rate cathedral or abbey choir not that far away. Here, we recommend 23 to take a listen to, complete with recommended recordings:
The best cathedral and abbey choirs across the UK
St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, London
St Paul’s Cathedral Choir enjoyed its highest profile moment in July 1981, when 750 million people worldwide tuned in to watch the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on TV. It also has an eye-catching array of former choristers, including actor Sir Simon Russell Beale and cricketer Sir Alastair Cook. The cathedral itself has a hugely roomy acoustic, needing a truly world-class choir to fill it.