Trust invests in cathedral music

Latest awards support music in 27 Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals and churches across the UK.

The music departments of 27 cathedrals and churches in the UK will be supported to continue and expand their brilliant work, thanks to a £470,000 investment through the Cathedral Music Trust's financial support programmes in 2025. Sitting at the heart of their commitment to championing excellence in all its forms, this vital funding will enable cathedrals and churches to keep providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to experience the life-transforming power of cathedral music.

"The invaluable work of our cathedral and church musicians enriches the lives of both participants and the communities in which they operate. At a time when the sector faces numerous financial challenges, this much-needed investment demonstrates Cathedral Music Trust’s dedication to securing the future of our world-renowned tradition.”
Jonathan Mayes, CEO, Cathedral Music Trust

Cathedral Music Support Programme

In the second year of the Trust's main awards scheme, the Cathedral Music Support Programme (CMSP), they are building partnerships with cathedrals and other choral foundations across the UK, developing work that shares their objectives in three areas:
pathways to music; training and development; and supporting the workforce. This year, financial support provided by the Edington Festival contributes towards the award made to Chester Cathedral. In addition to the 20 new awards through the CMSP, they are continuing to support 20 choral foundations which were awarded multi-year grants in 2024.

Cathedral Music Support Programme and Edington Festival Award to Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral has been awarded £16,500 to support fortnightly singing lessons for choristers, CPD opportunities for staff and to launch a cambiata choir.

Chester Cathedral's Head of Music Outreach and Assistant Organist, Dan Mathieson says: 
“We are very grateful to the Cathedral Music Trust and the Edington Festival for their generous support which will allow us to expand our musical programme and continue to inspire the next generation of musicians. Their grant will support choristers’ singing lessons, continuing staff professional development and underpin the launch of our Cambiata Choir.”