Music

"He who sings, prays twice." So said St Augustine. No wonder then that music has always has a hugely important place in worship. In fact it is difficult to imagine a Cathedral without music. And when words fail, as they sometimes do, singing, playing and hearing music can help us make connections and achieve understanding.

One of the Cathedral Choirs sings at the main Sunday Eucharist in term time, with the Cathedral’s Voluntary Choir or a visiting choir covering many Sundays during the choir holidays. On six days a week Choral Evensong is sung by one of the Cathedral’s Choirs.

Carlisle Cathedral is an unforgettable concert venue. The building’s superb acoustics are ideal for both choral and instrumental performances. The Cathedral is used by the annual Carlisle Festival, and there is a regular series of lunchtime recitals for most of the year. 2013 will see some excellent performances here, including The Sixteen and Matthew Barley. Follow the links in the bottom left of this page or visit the Calendar to see the current programme.

Arranging a concert

If you are interested in holding an evening concert the first step is to contact Wendy Murrell, the Commercial and Administration Co-ordinator (01228 548071 or email wendy@carlislecathedral.org.uk), who will advise on the various options and charges that are linked with staging an event here. The same applies if you would like to arrange to give an Informal Lunchtime Recital.

The Carlisle Cathedral Choir Association unites members of all the Cathedral choirs and their families as well as interested members of the Cathedral’s congregations. Members elect a committee which runs the Association’s affairs. Social events are organised and much effort goes into raising funds to support Choir Tours and some of the extra needs of the Music Foundation. A newsletter is produced regularly to keep members informed of its activities and those of the Cathedral choirs. An Annual Meeting is held in the summer.

In 2012 the Chairman of the Carlisle Cathedral Choir Association is Mr Ian Fleming.

Once a year in October the choirs of Carlisle, Newcastle and St. Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh meet for a weekend festival of choral music. The 2013 festival will be held on 19th October here in Carlisle.

Carlisle Cathedral welcomes visits from choirs who wish to sing when the Cathedral Choirs are unavailable. During choir terms visiting choirs can sing Evensong on Saturdays, and for all services during choir holidays.

Singing in Carlisle Cathedral is both challenging and rewarding. Choirs must be able to sing psalms, responses, settings of the canticles and anthems at Evensong, and music for the Eucharist if singing on a Sunday.

We ask choirs either to send a recent 'live' recording or to provide a reference from another Cathedral at which they have recently sung before we make a firm booking. Please contact The Music Department Administrator for further details via the main Cathedral Office on 01228 547916 or email musicadmin@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Carlisle Cathedral Bell Tower

Practice Evenings:               Fridays from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

All visitors (including non-ringers) are very welcome. Meet at the south door at 7.20pm. The door will be locked at 7.40pm and visitors arriving after that time will not be able to join the practice.

Service Ringing:                   Sundays 9.45am to 10.30am.

All visitors (including non-ringers) are very welcome. Meet at the crossing inside the Cathedral at 9.35am

Events occasionally take place in the Cathedral on a Friday evening. Please contact Anne East to confirm that ringing is taking place:

e-mail: aeast65sr@btinternet.com or telephone: 01228 513633

The ringers are pleased to welcome any person who would like to learn how to ring or is just interested in the history of bells and bell ringing. There are four experienced teachers of ringing available. The tower also has a simulator which allows bell handling to be taught without disturbing the surrounding community. Individual teaching lessons can be offered at times convenient to the learner on most days.

The Cathedral has a ring of 13 new bells (tenor 21cwt) in the key of E flat. Ten bells were cast and hung in a new frame for the Millennium in 1999 and three treble bells (including a sharp second) were added between 2000 and 2005. Five of the original ring of eight bells are also preserved in the belfry including Maria who was cast in 1401 and had served the church community for six hundred years before retirement.

The route to the ringing room includes both a climb of 117 steps and a walk along the entire length of the Cathedral clerestory. There is a platform above the bells in the belfry (a further 20 steps) which allows them to be viewed in safety.

Click here to browse the selection of CD recordings of the Cathedral Choir and Organ available to buy from the Gift Shop. These can also be available by mail order. Please contact the Commercial and Administration Co-ordinator on 01228 548071 or email wendy@carlislecathedral.org.uk

Please note we currently have no stocks of "Comfort & Joy".