It really is a privilege for me to introduce the John Paul Hoskins Choral Scholar Appeal which provides an important opportunity to honour John Paul’s commitment to, and promotion of, choral worship in this Cathedral Church. These scholarships will enable young people to experience the excellence of the musical tradition of Worcester Cathedral, to develop their voices alongside professional musicians as part of the ancient tradition of choral music here at Worcester. John Paul was hugely supportive of choral scholars having himself been shaped by his experience singing in cathedral choirs for many years. His ministry as Precentor here not only supported the musical life of this Cathedral but promoted its liturgy and mission so that the Cathedral fulfilled its ministry in the City and Diocese. Thank you for your support of this appeal and all that it represents for the memory of John Paul and for the future of music here at Worcester.
The Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards
Dean of Worcester
The John Paul Hoskins Choral Scholar Appeal
As a tribute to our former Precentor John Paul Hoskins, and his life-long love and support of cathedral music, we hope to raise £45,000 to support the launch of a new funding programme for choral scholars at Worcester Cathedral.
This fund will guarantee the appointment of one scholar (alto, tenor or bass), awarded solely on ability and merit, per academic year for the next six years, beginning this September.
Choral scholars at Worcester Cathedral fulfil a central role in ensuring the smooth-running of the music department, and through their contribution to the cathedral’s daily music making, find themselves with an opportunity to gain experience and develop musical skills which could shape their future career.
For some these free to access opportunities will mean gaining confidence in their musical skills and gaining experience which will be the springboard to their future professional career. For some it will build character - perhaps their first year living away from home, their first paid job, and a chance to discern which path they want to take in life. But for all, being a scholar at Worcester will mean an opportunity to access excellence in musical training, at a crucial time in their early career.
Your support will have a lasting impact - it will create opportunities for both men and women to benefit in equal measure from the truly outstanding musical education that Worcester Cathedral offers. It will improve the quality of our music provision and benefit all those who hear the choir perform well into the next decade, and it will enable life-chances for six talented emerging young musicians that they may otherwise not find or be able to afford.
