This week King’s Ely hosted their annual ‘Choral Day’, a real highlight of the year and one which involves nearly 300 pupils from schools around the area.
Each year, the school welcomes a guest conductor, Bob Chilcott, Alexander L’Estrange and Ben Parry being numbered amongst recent celebrities. This year they were thrilled to welcome Esther Jones, Deputy Musical Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
Singing is the beating heart of King’s Ely and every child is given the opportunity to sing. The Cathedral Boy Choristers are educated at King’s Ely Junior and sing regularly at concerts and services in Ely Cathedral and beyond. King’s Voices join with the Cathedral Choristers for major school services and celebrations as well as tours abroad, which highlights the close and strong relationship between the school and the cathedral.
Neil Porter Thaw, Director of Music at King’s Ely Junior, proudly commented, “Yet again these talented and enthusiastic children have come together and in just a few hours have produced a fantastic sound. The event was brilliantly led by Esther with a really good mix of music. Today has been a resounding success.”
The day was filled with a huge amount of excitement, energy, and enthusiasm, and the talent present was wonderful to hear for all who were at the Cathedral. The boys and girls from the eleven schools represented were outstanding throughout, and there was a real sense of privilege for the children to be singing live in such a significant and beautiful building. Schools who sent young singers to experience the day were Moreton Hall, Glebe House School, St Joseph’s College, Bancrofts, Cherry Trees School, Howe Green House School, Histon and Impington School, Fairstead House, St Cedds, and Beeston Hall.
One boy commented, “This was such a great experience. I can’t wait to come back!”
The Principal, Sue Freestone, commented: “We know how lucky we are to come together as a community in Ely Cathedral and to enjoy the contribution to our music making of so many talented professionals. It is a great joy to share that privilege, on this one day of the year, with young people who are passionate about their singing from all over the region. Add to that the input of someone as eminent in her field as Esther Jones and all of the children involved were guaranteed to enjoy a memorable day.”