​RGS choristers shine at Ripon Cathedral

FOUR Ripon Grammar School students, who are also dedicated choristers at Ripon Cathedral, showcased their musical talents with solo performances in the magnificent 13th century church.

Xander Galloway-Gee, Ava Crabtree, Martha Owen and Sophie Holton performed at one of the cathedral’s celebrated lunchtime concerts.

The event featured a varied programme spanning musical theatre, opera, folk song and classical favourites, with the young singers performing alongside fellow choristers and university students in the beautiful surroundings of the cathedral quire.

Year 9 students Xander opened the concert with Where is Love? from Oliver!, while Ava, in Year 9, sang Brahms’s gentle Wiegenlied.

Year 7 pupil Martha Owen gave a moving performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from The Phantom of the Opera, and Sophie Holton, in Year 9, impressed with Handel’s poignant aria Lascia ch’io pianga from Rinaldo.

The lunchtime concerts are a popular feature of Ripon Cathedral’s musical calendar, celebrating performers of all ages and reflecting the cathedral’s long-standing commitment to choral excellence.

Ripon Cathedral Choir includes boy and girl choristers from local schools, with many developing exceptional musical skills through regular rehearsals and services.

The performances by Ava, Sophie, Martha and Xander highlighted not only their individual vocal ability but also the strong partnership between Ripon Grammar School and Ripon Cathedral, where talented young musicians are able to flourish both academically and musically.