Music at Lancaster Cathedral

“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art... It forms a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy.”

 

Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112

Music is an essential part of the life of the Church. Cathedrals play a particular role in developing the Church’s musical tradition. Although Lancaster’s musical tradition has a patchy history, there is much to be proud of; more recently, there has been a great effort to improve the musical provision of the Cathedral.

 

Music Staff

In February 2008 Damian Howard was appointed as Director of Music. His appointment marked the beginning of a new drive to develop a stronger musical tradition.

Click here for Damian’s biography.

 

Cathedral Organ

The Cathedral’s Victorian pipe organ is undergoing an extensive restoration programme, carried out by Henry Willis and Sons (Liverpool). This work follows several years of fundraising work, and will ensure a the provision of a high quality instrument for many years to come.

Click here for more on the Cathedral organ.

 

Concerts

The Cathedral now hosts a range of high-quality concerts. Folk music to piano recitals, early music to contemporary choral works; the concerts offer something for everyone. They also help to fund the Cathedral’s music provision.

Click here for more about Cathedral concerts and events.

 

Funding Music

The Cathedral is seeking to raise funds for a Music Trust, established in early 2008. Although the vast majority of music relies on volunteers, we hope to be able to establish a number of music scholarships, as well as provide funds for the purchase of music. If you are aware of sources of funding for church music or would like to help in any way, please contact us; for more on the Music Trust, click here.

 

Dr Dixon

Undoubtedly the greatest character in the Cathedral’s music history is Dr J. H. Reginald Dixon, who worked here for over 60 years. 2009, in which we mark 150 years since the Cathedral’s opening, is also the 100th anniversary of Dr Dixon’s arrival. Click here for more on this fascinating character.