A Schools Singing programme, led by a partnership between Lichfield Cathedral School and Lichfield Cathedral School (with significant funding from Arts’ Council England via The Music Partnership) is delighted to reach its 20th birthday.  Celebrations will see the production of the community opera, Noye’s Fludde by Benjamin Britten, performed in Lichfield Cathedral on the 10th and 11th November 2023, 7.30pm.

Book your tickets right here.

The programme was initially inspired by a Chorister Outreach Project established by Truro Cathedral, then imitated by other cathedrals nationwide through the Choir School’s Association, which then became a major strand of a government initiative known as Sing Up.  Lichfield was the third cathedral to start their outreach programme under its first Director, Alex Mason and initially worked with three schools per term with a culmination concert and a Saturday morning choir for primary aged children. 

MusicShare now works with around 150 schools per year, mostly in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin because these are the areas covered by the local music education hub, The Music Partnership.  In addition, it has 5 non-auditioned choirs (Mini Voices 0-5 year olds, Young Voices 6-11 year olds, Youth Voices 12-18 year olds, Ladies who Lark 18+) with the most recent addition being Ukrainian Voices for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to engage with the rich diversity of Ukrainian music.  With Lichfield having over 300 Ukrainian refugees, it seemed a fitting new choir in our anniversary year. 

The programme delights in a huge variety of events, working with many different settings (primary, secondary, SEND).  The repertoire covered ranges from classical, to pop, to musical theatre, to rock and roll – or whilst carefully considering what is appropriate for the voices of those involved.  Opportunities for the choirs over the years have included events such as singing at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Symphony Hall, Birmingham; Worcester Cathedral and York Minster. 

Cathy Lamb, who has now led the programme for over 16 years, said “It is a real joy, on occasion, to bump into a teenager or young adult in Lichfield who recognizes me as the singing lady from Lichfield Cathedral and to hear their stories of what they got out of the programme when their school was involved.  I am hugely proud of what MusicShare has become but it could not have expanded in such a way without the incredible support from my colleagues at the Cathedral School and Cathedral, some astoundingly amazing volunteers, a hugely talented team of animateurs (singing leaders) and undoubtedly the financial and creative support of The Music Partnership and my coworkers within it.  Music has an immeasurable effect on us as human beings and its educational benefits are unquestionable, I strongly believe that every child has the right to experience a broad and balanced musical education and am thrilled that MusicShare can play even a small part in this”.