SIX lay clerks of St Albans Cathedral will finish their time in post in the approaching months, it has been confirmed.
The cathedral newsletter the Sunday before last included a notice recognising the “outstanding service and contribution” of the six male singers. The cathedral would “shortly be recruiting for brand new lay clerks for the brand new academic 12 months”, it said.
The cathedral issued a press release on Tuesday of last week: “Following a diocese-wide consultation in 2023, the cathedral reaffirmed its commitment to the English choral tradition, alongside a long-term technique to strengthen and sustain choral music through education, outreach, and partnership.”
It listed the offering of parity to ladies and boys within the cathedral choir, the appointment of the cathedral’s first female lay clerk, and a vision for the introduction of a choral scholarship programme from September 2027.
“In early 2025, a transparent consultation process took place to determine a way forward for that vision with the lay clerks,” the statement said. “Proposed changes ranged from the choir’s timetable to an improved fee structure and overall staffing model. These changes form a part of a rigorously planned transition intended to support the longer term strength and sustainability of the Cathedral’s music.
“We can now confirm that six posts will conclude over the approaching months, with opportunities to stay involved as deputies. These lay clerks depart with the Cathedral’s sincere gratitude for his or her contributions to the ministry of this place.”
The statement denied that the selections were made on the idea of age, which was “neither a criterion nor a determining factor. With members of our Cathedral choirs ranging in age from 4 to over 80, the Cathedral stays committed to supporting members of our choirs and orchestra at all ages and stage of their musicianship.”
