Primary school choirs at Westminster Cathedral

Archbishop Nichols with choir from St Mary of the Angels

170 children from five London primary schools sang a Service of Vespers and Benediction at Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 14 July 2011 as part of an outreach scheme designed to share the musical expertise of the world famous Westminster Cathedral Choir.

The service of Vespers and Benediction was celebrated at Westminster Cathedral by Archbishop Vincent Nichols. During the service, the children sang hymns, chanted the psalms and the Magnificat in English and sung a Latin Salve Regina.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: "When we sing we are praying, praising God, thanking Him for His gifts and asking for His help with our needs. Every hour in the day, somewhere in the world, the psalms are being sung. We are part of a great family which raises its voice to praise God without ceasing and that is a great privilege for us all."

Present at Westminster Cathedral were school children from St Vincent de Paul and St Mary of the Angels primary Catholic schools in the London borough of Westminster; Guardian Angels and Holy Family Catholic schools in Tower Hamlets and Larmenier and Sacred Heart Catholic school in Hammersmith and Fulham. They were joined by boy choristers from Westminster Cathedral Choir School, Westminster Cathedral Chorister Outreach Project.

The children have spent the last term preparing for the performance, as part of a year long Westminster Cathedral Chorister Outreach Project, explained Martin Baker, Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral: "The children with whom we have been working are aged between 7 and 11; they have learnt a variety of music - everything from simple, fun things to English and even Latin chants that can be sung at Mass. We've been working with these boys and girls for the last year and have seen their confidence increase from term to term; by the end of the year many of the children are able to perform without scores."

"I'm very grateful to Archbishop Vincent Nichols for supporting this project so wholeheartedly. To be with the Archbishop on the sanctuary singing Vespers and Benediction will be a great experience for the children. It's something different and exciting for them. Next year we hope to expand the scheme to include even more
schools when the project will be focusing on music for the new translation of the Missal."

Eileen McDade, Outreach Coordinator, said: "The project brings great credit to all the schools involved. The project also contributes to the Catholic community by promoting beautiful sacred music and singing at liturgies. It can even have a knock-on effect on parishes who feel inspired to create a choir or try new things."

The Westminster Cathedral Chorister Outreach Project is now in its second year. It aims to share the musical expertise of the Westminster Cathedral Choir and its music department with primary schools in London. Previously funded by the government as part of the Sing Up initiative, it is now self-financed by funds from the primary schools involved.