Startling and sad news from Winchester Cathedral

[jonfan]

21 March issue of Private Eye summarises the whitewash plus an RSCM report that two/thirds of ecclesiastical choirs have no singers under the age of 18, ‘a blueprint for extinction’ it says, inclined to agree.

[moulin]

We could do with an update from our faithful correspondent Lizzie. Is Trennier ever seen? Is he being paid for invisibility?

Justice needed to be SEEN to be done, and at the moment it, at least from the outside, looks as though it hasn't.

[underthecountertenor]

It's generated quite a game of musical chairs, with St Alban's musicians decamping to Winchester, and Bath Abbey's assistant (who's been there less than two years) off to St Alban's.

The Winchester ‘situation’ did not generate any of the moves at St Albans. The previous Master of the Music announced his retirement months before he was offered and accepted the job of interim DoM at Winchester. The only other St Albans musician who has gone there was the organ scholar, who became an assistant at Winchester after his term at St Albans had come to an end. So neither resigned their jobs at St Albans in order to go to Winchester. And the Bath Abbey assistant is to be the assistant DoM at St Albans - so replacing neither the former MoM nor the former organ scholar.

[DracoM]

SAdly, friend confirms some of the upset and sadness at W'chester.

[Roger Judd]

A relative of mine has two boys in the choir, and I hear that the atmosphere amongst the choir is positive, and that Andrew Lucas is doing a fine job in steadying the ship. I would be further reassured if I heard that the Precentor was no longer in post.
RJ

[Finzi4ever]

A relative of mine has two boys in the choir, and I hear that the atmosphere amongst the choir is positive, and that Andrew Lucas is doing a fine job in steadying the ship. I would be further reassured if I heard that the Precentor was no longer in post.
RJ

...a view shared by most here, Roger.

[moulin]

As always Mr Judd, you are a master not only of the organ loft but also of tactful comments. My views on the matter have become unprintable.

[jonfan]

What is it with Precentors and Deans ganging up against organists? A copy book cycle of events has taken place at Wakefield Cathedral according to Private Eye. The organist had a breakdown and was sacked; the precentor has left for New Zealand. The choir numbered 38 children, now just 8.
Despair at the self destruct button again in action.

[Keraulophone]

Merger of The Pilgrims' School with Winchester College

The governance of the cathedral's choir school will transfer from the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral to Winchester College’s Warden and Fellows

https://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/merger-of-the-pilgrims-school-with-winchester-college

[DracoM]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Finzi4ever]

Sensible for both schools in the current climate. D&C could do without the financial millstone while Win Coll increases pupil roll and so further stability having already gone co-ed recently. Rare and v risky now to be a truly independent choir school like Christ Church, Westminster. Look what happened in 2006 to that fantastic institution Miles Amherst established in 1973, The Abbey School in Tewkesbury.