​Students shine as cathedral choristers in BBC live broadcast

STUDENTS from Ripon Grammar School took centre stage as they sang in a live service broadcast from Ripon Cathedral by the BBC.

The pupils appeared as part of the choral evensong choir for the BBC Radio 3 programme, transmitted to listeners throughout the UK from the historic North Yorkshire city.

For the students, who receive first-class musical training while contributing to the cathedral’s long-standing choral tradition, it marked a memorable milestone.

Choral scholar Abi Charlton, 16, said: “I felt privileged to be part of such an exciting event involving the choir. It was good that all our hard work has paid off”

The talented singers balance their studies with a demanding schedule of rehearsals and services at the cathedral, renowned for its rich musical heritage.

Year 7 pupil Daniel Freeman,11, said: “It was nerve-racking but exciting to think that so many people across the world could hear us sing. I felt proud to be a Ripon Cathedral chorister.”

Two RGS pupils, Xander Galloway-Gee, 14, and Lily Abrahams, 16, sang as part of a trio during the Magnificat and the Anthem.

RGS director of music Michael Barker said it was a tremendous opportunity for the students and a reflection of their dedication and hard work.

“To perform live to a national audience is an unforgettable experience,” he said.

“I am incredibly proud of how confidently and professionally they represented both the school and the cathedral. We are privileged to have such talented musicians in our school and to have such strong ties to the cathedral.”

The students also got the chance to look at the mixing desk in the BBC outside broadcast truck ahead of the live broadcast where BBC sound engineers and producers captured the performance beneath the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings.

The service, featuring music by Charles Wood, Sir Edward Bairstow and local composer Philip Wilby, was attended in person by members of the while thousands more tuned in from home.

BBC One will be broadcasting Ripon Cathedral’s Festal Eucharist live on Easter Sunday.

*Listen to the BBC Radio 3 Ripon Cathedral service here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qqrv

A huge congratulations to all our RGS cathedral choristers: Tomas Charlesworth, Xander Galloway-Gee, Isla Johnson, Sophie Holton, Abi Charlton, Lily Abrahams, Isobel Robinson, Daniel Freeman, Edward Mence, Nadeeja Silva, Eloide Rennie-Oxley, Verity Chapman-Andrews, Ava Crabtree, Saskia Hallam and Zara Ali  

Choristers having a look behind the scenes: Daniel Freeman, Nadeeja Silva, Edward Mence and Xander Galloway-Gee

Checking out the mixing desk: Verity Chapman-Andrewa, Izzy Robinson, Lily Abrahams and Zara Ali