There is nothing quite like the sound of pure voices filling England's ancient Cathedrals all the way to their magnificent vaulted ceilings. And if you are lucky enough to be in England during Advent and Christmas, you could have a chance to hear Christmas carols, sung by an English Cathedral Choir in one of these magical settings.
How to Find The Best English Cathedral Choir Carol Concerts
Cathedral websites often begin listing their holiday music schedules in September and October. Most plan a mixture of free and ticketed concerts. Some of the most famous - Handel's Messiah at St. Paul's Cathedral, Christmas Carols at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford - are free but tickets are snapped up early. Nevertheless, you can hear the famous Westminster Abbey Choir, or attend a popular carol service at York Minster simply by turning up early enough, on the day, to get a seat.When making your plans, watch for concerts and services that feature the cathedral's own choir - these are the ensembles that have been gathered and trained for the best sound in that particular place.
Where to Find The Best English Cathedral Choir Holiday Music
This list of England's most historic cathedrals includes 2007 Christmas music highlights. Follow the links for full Cathedral Choir schedules and ticket details.- Bristol Cathedral, telephone +44 (0)117 926 4879
- Carols by Candlelight with the Great Choir of Bristol Cathedral, Dec. 12, 7:30p.m.
- Bristol Cathedral Concert Choir, Carols and Music for Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. Tickets on the door, from members or from Providence Music,+44 (0)117 927 6536.
- Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral Carols by Candlelight in aid of the Children’s Society, Dec. 20,7:00 p.m.
- Kings College Chapel, Cambridge Though not a cathedral choir, the Kings College Chapel Choir of Cambridge University ranks high alongside the best cathedral emsembles in the world. Because of its live broadcast by the BBC, the Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is not only famous but very popular.
- Canterbury Cathedral Two identical Cathedral Carol Services, on
- Dec. 23(unticketed) at 7:30 p.m.
- December 24 (tickets) at 3 p.m. doors open at 1:30 p.m.
- Chester Cathedral The Cathedral Choir Concert with Special Guests, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., tickets from the Cathedral Shop, +44 (0)1244 311586. Full Christmas music schedule.
- Chicester Cathedral Cathedral Carol Services , Dec. 21 and 22 at 6p.m., Dec. 23 at 3p.m., unticketed, doors open one hour before service.
- Durham Cathedral Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, Monday, Dec.22, 7p.m. and Christmas Eve at 3 p.m.
- Ely Cathedral Carol concerts and one of England's most beautiful cathedrals -
- A Charity Christmas Carol Concert, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., tickets from the Box office at +44 (0)1353 660349 or online.
- Christmas Carol Service, Dec. 21 and 24, 6p.m., unticketed, arrive early.
- Exeter Cathedral
- Lunchtime carols, Dec. 7 and 21, 1-2 p.m.
- Exeter Philharmonic Choir Christmas Carol Concert, Dec.12, 13, 7:30p.m
- Exeter Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert, Dec, 15, 7:30p.m.
- Gloucester Cathedral Christmas Carol Service, Dec. 23 and 24 at 6p.m.
- Litchfield CathedralSpecial Choir Christmas Carol Concert, with Salvation Army Cannock Citadel Band, Dec. 18, 8 p.m.
- Lincoln Cathedral
- A concert of Carols and Candlelight, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., Dec. 10, 7:30
- Christmas Eve Carol Service, Dec. 24, 4p.m.
- Norwich CathedralCathedral Carol Service, Dec. 20, 7:00pm
- Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford Oxford's Cathedral has a world famous choir so hearing them sing requires advance planning.
- Music at Oxford Carol Concerts,Dec. 17 and 20 at 8 p.m. These two ticketed concerts are not free and tickets range from £10 to £40. Book by phoning the Box Office +44 (0)870 7500659 or visiting the Music at Oxford website.
- Christ Church Oxford Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, Dec. 23, 7:15p.m., Dec. 24, 3p.m. This famous service is free but ticketed. Postal booking opens in September and closes October 31. Apply for tickets by mail to Cathedral Secretary, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, OX1 1DP, UK. Enclose a stamped envelope (UK stamps).
- Peterborough Cathedral Music for Christmas and Advent, Dec.21, 7:30 p.m.
- Rochester Cathedral Nine Lessons and Carols, December 21 and 22 at at 7:30p.m. Tickets from Chapter Office
- St. Paul's Cathedral, London
- A Celebration of Christmas, featuring the Cathedral Choir, City of London Orchestra and celebrity readers. Dec. 11, 6:30p.m, all welcome. One of the highlights of the London Christmas season. Arrive early to queue.
- Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin BrittonDec. 13, 5p.m.
- Christmas Carol Service, Dec. 23, 24, 4p.m., all welcome.
- Salisbury Cathedral Cathedral Carol Service, Dec. 21, 22 at 7p.m. (doors open at 6p.m.)No tickets required.
- Wells Cathedral Cathedral Carol Service, December 23, 4 p.m.
- Westminster Abbey A "cathedral" in all but name -
- Classic FM Music Christmas Concert The Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (tickets required), Dec. 16, 7p.m.
- Christmas Eve - Service of Lessons and Carols, 4 p.m., arrive early for a seat.
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Carol Service, Dec. 19, 20,22 6:30p.m. Free tickets required, from Cathedral Box Office (+44 (0)1962 857275), the Visitor Centre, or online
- Worcester Cathedral Dec. 22, 23, 7:30 p.m.
- York Minster The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe is a splendid setting for:
- Several concerts of York's Christmas Early Music Festival, Dec. 11-14.
- Carols by Candlelight, 8p.m., Dec. 18,19,20. Tickets on sale after Nov. 29 (see the Minster website).
- Nine Lessons and Carols, Dec. 22 at 7p.m., Dec 24 at 4 p.m.
