Cathedral Choir

King Henry VIII established the Collegiate Foundation in 1546, including one Organist and eight Lay Clerks, plus provision for a schoolmaster to educate the choristers. In the last five hundred years, the choir has always been a central part of Christ Church; and many significant church musicians have been associated with it, from the first director of music John Taverner, to twentieth-century choristers and composers William Walton, Simon Preston and Howard Goodall.

Now the choral foundation consists of approximately sixteen Choristers (boys), educated at the Cathedral School; plus six Lay Clerks (professional adult singers) and six Academical Clerks (undergraduate choral scholars), in addition to the Director of Music (who bears the official historic title of ‘Organist’), the Sub-Organist, and one or two Organ Scholars. 

Peter Holder, Sub Organist of Westminster Abbey, will soon be joining the House as Organist. This year, the role has been fulfilled by Emeritus Professor Stephen Darlington. Stephen was formerly Organist and Tutor in Music at Christ Church, until his retirement in July 2018 after 33 years in post. He has returned as Interim Director of Music from January to July 2024.