Music is a truly international language and as such it is one of the Church’s most ancient forms of expression and worship of God. Music in Cathedrals strives to do this to a high standard and to use many differing traditions of music making.

At Portsmouth Cathedral you will find a thriving and diverse music programme. Our Cathedral Choir is made up of a team of 24 Boy Choristers and 22 Girl Choristers who share our daily singing duties longside our team of Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars. Our Cathedral Consort (mixed adults) adds a further opportunity to our music team.

Our Cathedral Sing programme seeks to work with as many young people in our city and diocese to spread our passion for singing. Our newest project ‘Choir Church’ aims to found a new congregation through the power of music and singing at St James’ Church, Milton.

Music is at the heart of the Cathedral’s many cathedral and diocesan responsibilities and the Music Department plays as full a role as possible in this regard.

Caring for and Safeguarding all the children who are choristers in our care is a key part of our work with them. Our Music Staff are supported with a team of professional chaperones (Choir Matrons) who are in attendance at all activities at which the choristers are present. We ensure that amidst all the singing duties that the boys and girls undertake there is a balance of playtime/downtime, fun activities, food and of course trips near and far.

Please see the cathedral’s main section on Safeguarding and policies on this website here.