Join the Choir
The choir of St Canice’s Cathedral is a voluntary choir of adults and young people, who all share a passion for music.
There are many benefits in being a chorister. Young singers learn life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, sense of responsibility, communication and social skills as well as musical and vocal skills.
If all of that isn’t enough, you might be interested to hear some of these perks of being a cathedral chorister:
Make new friends: many famous people have been choristers. From Ed Sheeran to James May – in various interviews they all claim they made lifelong friendships from their time as choristers. Our choir is no different, with our members enjoying the active social aspect of being involved in our group (whether in the Cathedral or in one of Kilkenny’s other fine institutions).
We sing on TV and Radio. The choir has appeared a number of times on RTÉ and takes part in very exciting projects all year around!
Education: every week at rehearsals and in services we sight-sing through new music. This is excellent practice in sight-reading and the perfect way to improve your skills as a musician.
It’s free! There are no costs associated with membership of the cathedral choir.
The weekly commitment for the choir is:
Friday: 1900 – 2030 rehearsal
Sunday morning: 1000 rehearsal for 1130 service of Holy Communion
Sunday afternoon: 1400 rehearsal for 1500 service of Choral Evensong
The choir also sings for various other occasions throughout the year (Carol Services, Midnight Mass, etc.)
Our Director of Music would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining, please email: music@stcanicescathedral.com.
Junior and Senior Scholars
The Cathedral and the Diocese very generously fund and support a number of scholarship places for students at secondary and third level education stage of their life. Through this, the choir hopes to cultivate the next generation of choral musicians.
Choral Scholars all receive:
€450 (Junior Scholars) / €1000 (Senior Scholars) stipend a year for attending rehearsals and singing at services
One free singing lesson a week (worth over 600Euro a year)
Outstanding vocal and choral training
Being part of community of singers
Developing skills of organisation, time-keeping and professionalism
Opportunities for concert, radio/tv appearances (Christmas in Kilkenny RTÉ 2019), tours
Choral Scholar Commitment
Friday: 7.00 - 8:30 Rehearsal
Sunday Eucharist: 10am Rehearsal for 11:30am Service
Sunday Evensong: 2pm Rehearsal for 3pm Service
For more information and to arrange an audition, contact us on music@stcanicescathedral.com
Adult Volunteers
The Cathedral Choir is a vibrant community made up of people passionate about music and singing of all ages and walks of life. We pride ourselves in our adult volunteer members and all of their hard work.
To join the choir simply contact us on music@stcanicescathedral.com to arrange an audition!