For the first time in 800 years, female choristers have been accepted into Lichfield Cathedral’s Choral Foundation.
The group have been singing the services in the historic building since 1315, but the voices of girls will be heard for the first time on September 23.
The 3.30pm choral evensong will be of “great historical significance”.
The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, added: “The admission of girl choristers to the historic choral foundation of the Cathedral is good news for us all. It enhances the Cathedral’s worship, which is our primary purpose.
“It also allows girls to share the educational and other benefits of being a chorister, which boys have been enjoying for centuries.
“I am very happy that this development is another example of our close cooperation with the Cathedral School. Together, we will enable more young people to develop their skills and talents, making them very strong candidates for good universities when the time comes to apply.”
Since September 2006 there has been a scholarship-based girls’ choir at Lichfield Cathedral School which has sung occasional services. The members of this choir will now be known as Lichfield Cathedral Girl Choristers and will sing at 5.30pm every Monday during term time and on two weekends per term.
