ChristChurch Cathedral Choir : 2008 World Tour

Taking ChristChurch Music to the World

The ChristChurch Cathedral Choir was invited to sing in some of the world's greatest cathedrals in July/August 2008.  The 16 boys and 12 men sang in Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Cambridge, Coventry, Oxford (including at Christ Church), Exeter, Hereford and Gloucester, beginning in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.

This was the first time this cathedral's choir has visited Britain, the home of choral music, in its 126 years of existence.  The choir's excellence was recognised by visiting British Cathedral choir directors, who invited the choir to sing at cathedral services and give concerts across Britain.

The choir has received many accolades during the tour and the letter below sums up the success very well.

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Hello,

        It has taken me a few weeks to get around to doing this, but better late than never. I'd like to pass on my congratulations and appreciation for your England tour.

        As one who greatly admires the tradition of the men and boys liturgical choir (and thus saddened to read that yours is the only one left in NZ), I looked forward to your tour after stumbling upon this website earlier in the year, and managed to attend Matins at Bath Abbey, the two Evensongs at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and the concert at St James', Piccadilly. I was genuinely impressed by the standard of your choir. Having heard the resident choirs at most of the venues on your packed itinerary, you stand alongside the best of them. That you managed to maintain standards over such an intensive month was an achievement in itself.

        I regret that we weren't able to offer you much of a summer (I was amused to read the account of your boys enjoying time on the beach in the rain), but if anything the weather got worse after you went home, if that's any consolation!

        I know from comments made by others who heard you that you left a trail of admirers in your wake. I hope it's not another 127 years before you return, although at $350,000 it's obvious why this sort of trip cannot be undertaken very often. If I ever get down to New Zealand, Christ Church Cathedral will be on the 'must do' list.

        So, my personal thanks for giving us the opportunity to experience your excellent choir, to the men and boys and all those who helped get them here and back again.

        With best wishes for a long and successful future

        David Shepherd