Musicians set up new choir after Sheffield Cathedral closes choral group - and they need your help

The Steel City Choristers group has been set up after Sheffield Cathedral decided to close its choir in July.

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Campaign group Save Sheffield Cathedral Choir has now launched this online fundraising page to support the singers.

The Steel City Choristers say they want to seek out ‘new and exciting locations to perform’ and ‘reach out to diverse audiences’ across Sheffield.

Joshua Stephens, former director of music at Sheffield Cathedral and founding director of music for the Steel City Choristers, said: “It’s an incredible privilege to still make music together.

“In recent rehearsals the choir is sounding outstanding – and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to take our singing out into the city to support worshipping communities.

“Music has the power to change lives – and this is our vocation as a choir.”

Kate Caroe, a Steel City Choristers’ choir parent, added: “The children are thrilled to be singing together again – and with Josh too.

“They are excited at the adventure ahead and are looking forward to singing around the city and seeing the choir grow.”

As previously reported by The Star, the Anglican cathedral in the city centre wants to set up new singing ensembles which leaders say will be more appropriate for Sheffield’s ‘mixed urban community’.

An official statement from the church said: “The dean and chapter have been looking carefully at the music offer of Sheffield Cathedral and have come to the conclusion that there needs to be significant change. This is in order to create a music department and choir ready for the exciting future of the mixed urban community in which we live and work.

“Following a review of the music department in 2019, Sheffield Cathedral Chapter has decided that a fresh start is needed. As a result, chapter has concluded this is the right time to close the current cathedral choir.

“This decision has not been easy, because it will directly impact several colleagues and indirectly impact on us all in our close-knit community. However, we believe this is in the best interests of the long-term mission of the cathedral.”

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