Huge congratulations to Izzy and Thomas for their achievements in the 2026 Choir Schools' Association (CSA) Chorister Composition Competition!

Izzy, who is in Year 6 at King's Ely Prep and is an Ely Cathedral Chorister, is the overall winner in the Junior category of this year's contest.

Thomas has been Highly Commended in the Senior category of the competition, having won it last year. Thomas is in Year 12, is a former Ely Cathedral Chorister, and is a King's Ely Sixth Form Organ Scholar. 

Speaking about her win, Izzy, who has also recently started to play the organ, said: "I am surprised and happy, and also very proud of myself. I really enjoyed composing the anthem, and I hope to do more composition in the future."

The annual competition is organised in partnership with the David Willcocks Memorial Trust. It encourages choristers across the country to compose a new anthem for their Cathedral or Chapel Choir.

Both Izzy and Thomas set the words 'Songs of praise the angels sang', which was specified by the CSA as the set text. Izzy's piece is for two-part upper voices; Thomas' piece is for double choir unaccompanied.

Thomas said: "I am very proud to have been Highly Commended. I have entered this competition several times, and it feels great to be recognised in this way."

Izzy's and Thomas' achievements showcase the unrivalled musical pathway offered by King's and the Cathedral: from Chorister to Organ Scholar, and from first theory lessons to accomplished composition.

We are so proud of them both, and we look forward to hearing their pieces played in Cathedral Services soon!

To discover more about Choristership opportunities in Ely, please visit: https://www.elycathedral.org/music