On Saturday 8 February, Durham Cathedral will host a special performance of Handel’s Messiah, led by Alexander Armstrong and an extraordinary line-up of musicians, all coming together to support a cause that changes lives.
The event will raise funds for bursaries that allow young choristers to continue their musical education beyond their time in the Cathedral Choir, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their futures.
The concert, organised by Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (DCSF) and their organisational body of former pupils , the Old Dunelmian Society, brings together over 100 performers, including many professional alumni musicians, Durham Cathedral Choir, and current students. Alexander Armstrong, a renowned Old Dunelmian, will join an ensemble of three combined choirs and a professional-level orchestra to celebrate the power of music and education.
Armstrong reflected on the impact of being a chorister:
"To be a chorister is to have one of the best starts in life. I owe my entire career to that experience - it taught me discipline, teamwork, and the sheer joy of creating something beautiful with others. These bursaries ensure that the next generation of talented young singers, regardless of their background, can continue their education and fulfil their potential."
The Foundation provides means-tested bursaries that cover up to 100% of fees, supporting students who might not otherwise have access to this education. Currently one in seven pupils benefit from these bursaries across the Foundation.
Every year, up to 48 choristers, aged 8 to 13, dedicate themselves to a demanding and enriching musical life in the Cathedral Choir. When their time as Cathedral Choristers ends, these means-tested bursaries allow them to stay at Durham School, continuing their studies through to A levels and benefiting from a first-class education that nurtures both their musical and academic talents. Currently, one in four former Cathedral Choristers receive means-tested support.
Kieran McLaughlin, Foundation Principal, emphasised the lasting impact of the program:
"These young musicians bring so much to our school and the wider community. We are committed to making sure that their journey doesn’t end when they leave the Cathedral Choir. Through these bursaries, ODs, parents and most importantly previous musicians from the Foundation are investing in their futures, helping them thrive and giving them confidence for life."
Chris Elliott, President of the Old Dunelmian Society and a former Head Chorister, knows first-hand how transformative this opportunity can be:
"Being a chorister at Durham Cathedral completely changed my life. It gave me skills, confidence, a huge love of music, and an education that shaped my future. This fund will ensure that all choristers, regardless of their financial background, have the same chance to build on that foundation and reach their potential."
The concert will be a moving celebration of talent, hard work, community, and opportunity, featuring four professional soloists, nine conductors, Durham Cathedral Choir, Durham School Chapel Choir, the Foundation Alumni Choir and an orchestra made up of alumni, parents and other supporters. All our Foundation Alumni Choir and Orchestral musicians are donating their time and waiving any fees to ensure that every ticket sold contributes directly to the bursary fund.
Tickets start at just £15 and are available from the Cathedral Box Office: https://link.dcsf.org.uk/Messiah25.
