A CAMPAIGN has been launched to incorporate English sacred choral music in UNESCO’s Living Heritage inventory, to make sure its protection. The inventory, overseen for the UK by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), recognises “intangible cultural heritage”, described by UNESCO as “the mainspring of cultural diversity”.
The Cathedral Music Trust, which is leading the campaign, believes that UNESCO recognition would help to safeguard the long run of sacred music by raising awareness and highlighting its global significance.
“Choral music is considered considered one of the glories of the UK’s cultural living heritage, with a world fame for excellence,” it says.
“Far from being a relic of the past, what makes [it] unique is its continuity. It is widely known not just for its beloved historic repertoire, but for the continued performance of its music in cathedrals, parish churches, chapels, and communities across the UK.”
The Trust’s president, Harry Christophers, describes it as “the envy of the world, a convention that has been going for well over 500 years. To gain UNESCO’s Living Heritage recognition would be sure that the music, each written prior to now and the current, continues to be celebrated and sustained for hundreds of years to come back, alongside the various choirs, organists, directors of music, and all that make this world-class tradition possible of their pursuit of excellence.”
The composer and conductor, John Rutter, says: “When I guest-conduct abroad as a representative of our choral tradition, I’m treated like a Brazilian footballer or a Hungarian chess master. Britain is recognised world wide as a crucible of choral excellence, an accolade that should be acknowledged.”
The Trust — with organisations resembling the Royal College of Organists, the Royal School of Church Music, and the Conference of Catholic Directors of Music — is asking on supporters to play their part. “Sing, attend, donate, or just share the music — everyone has a job to play, and each motion matters to future-proof and to guard this living heritage,” it says.
