With the decline of music in schools, classical music is becoming less diverse across communities due to lack of confidence in classical music as well as financial or time constraints. Often members of our Festival chorus are those who can afford to take singing lessons, time off work to perform, have readily available childcare and can learn music quickly on their own. Many amateur singers are not confident in their ability to read music or audition for a large chorus.

The Festival Voices will be an opportunity for amateur singers from across the community. Working with existing small local choirs and lapsed singers, the project brings people together in an ambitious Cathedral performance with a professional orchestra. We will provide a flexible chorus schedule and providing specialised music support from professional conductors including slower learning pace and greater support to enable less experienced singers to attain a high standard of performance.