top of page

Choral Singing

It may have been noted that I like singing just a little.  As a child I was a member of Manchester Girls Choir and the usual shool choirs, but it wasn't until about six years ago that I became involved with choral singing again when I joined my parish music group.  In 2013 I joined the Cathedral choir at St John's Cathedral, Salford and have had the honour of singing at many  religious occasions over the past three years.  The most significant was the mass of 'Installation' of Bishop John Arnaold - which basically means the mass when he was officially made Bishop of Salfod.

The video above is footage of the first time I ever sang solo in front of an audience.  Although I had sung as cantor (cantor sings first, then the congregation repeats), my first time singing without the safety of the choir around me was in front of 800 people!  However, I think the mass closest to my heart is most definitely the Chrism Mass, which is the mass just before Easter at which all the priests renew their vows and the oil of Chrism which will be used for the rest of the year is blessed.  This was especially so this year as I sang the Psalm again.  

 

Singing, for me, is not for the glory - in fact, singing solo I struggle to combat nerves.  However, I enjoy the challenge of singing alone and it has worked wonders on my confidence.  Choral singing is more of spiritual practice for me, and as St Augustine said: "[S]he who sings, prays twice".  I am a practising catholic and the ability to play an active part of services, and enjoy it at the same time, is what is all about.  I help my Parish and the Diocese in many ways, but this is the primary method that I support Salford Catholic community, and the Salford Lourdes Pilgrimage too.  

bottom of page