Music at Lancaster Cathedral

Colossians 3:16 "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts"

Music at Lancaster Cathedral

Music is an essential part of the life of the Church and, traditionally, Cathedrals play a particular role in developing the Church’s musical tradition. Thanks to the continued encouragement of our clergy, and the excellent leadership of Damian Howard, this tradition is alive and thriving and at Lancaster Cathedral.

Led by Damian, the choir seeks to provide uplifting musical worship, nurturing musical talent in a non-competitive environment with a strong Christian ethos. Although we are an amateur choir we are constantly encouraged to progress and advance.

Music Staff

In February 2008 Damian Howard was appointed as Director of Music. His appointment marked the beginning of a new drive to develop a stronger musical tradition.

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Click here for Damian's  biography

Cathedral Organ and associated instruments

The Cathedral’s Victorian pipe organ has an extensive history with several key iterations of restoration and refurbishment. Often the work followed several years of fundraising work. However this ensures a the provision of a high quality instrument for many years to come.

There is also a Grand Piano in the nave of the Cathedral, along with a Box Organ (Positive Organ) Both instruments are used to supplement the main organ and help to provide a different dynamic in the Cathedral's music repertoire.

A further grand piano is maintained in the Catherdral's Library which is used for choir practice and music lessons. 

Click here to find the full history of the Cathedral organ.

Click here for the Organ Specification

Funding Music

The Cathedral is seeking to raise funds for a Music Trust, established in early 2008. Although the vast majority of music relies on volunteers, we hope to be able to establish a number of music scholarships, as well as provide funds for the purchase of music.

Dr Dixon

Undoubtedly the greatest character in the Cathedral’s music history is Dr J. H. Reginald Dixon, who worked here for over 60 years. 2009, in which we mark 150 years since the Cathedral’s opening, is also the 100th anniversary of Dr Dixon’s arrival. Click here for more on this fascinating character.