One of Norwich Cathedral's greatest treasures is taking centre stage in a new photographic exhibition. Emma Knights finds out more.
From stunning shots of Norwich Cathedral taken from on high as the choir performs below to a behind the scenes snap of choristers practising pancake races in the cloisters, a new exhibition gives visitors a unique glimpse into the rich and varied musical life of the Cathedral.
A Tradition for the Future: Music at Norwich Cathedral highlights in pictures the importance of the centuries-old tradition of music in the modern day life of the Cathedral.
Curated by the Cathedral's librarian Gudrun Warren, the show features pictures by Cromer-based photographer Paul Hurst who was previously an alto lay clerk in Norwich Cathedral Choir and who has spent the last 20 years capturing on camera every aspect of music and worship in the historic city landmark.
Mr Hurst said it was a privilege to play a part in documenting the Cathedral's musical life as well as be able to take photographs from unusual viewpoints not open to the public.
'Having access to parts of the Cathedral that are normally out of bounds offers unique photographic angles,' he said.
'Going up high into the lantern can be quite daunting but, with a safety harness on, my head for heights soon settles down.
'And the great bonus of working in such a building is being able to listen to the magnificent music being performed by such talented musicians.'
The new exhibition comes as Norwich Cathedral is continuing to raise funds for its £2.5m Music Appeal, having so far raised £1,150,000 towards the cost of an extensive refurbishment of the organ and to support the boy and girl choristers for the future.
A Tradition for the Future: Music at Norwich Cathedral is at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry until Sunday, October 14. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm and Sunday 10am-3pm. Entry is free. For more information, visit www.cathedral.org.uk
Music Appeal
Norwich Cathedral's impressive organ and choristers have been the heart and soul of the landmark's musical life for generations, and a £2.5m fundraising appeal is under way to ensure this continues long into the future.
To date about £1,150,000 has been raised for the Music Appeal which has the Earl of Wessex as patron.
The appeal aims to fund a £1.8m restoration of the organ – part of which dates back to the 17th century and which was last restored in the 1940s - as well as raise a further £700,000 to support the cathedral's boy and girl choristers and expand its musical work in the wider community.
The Very Revd Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich, said: 'We are delighted with the progress of the appeal to date – to have reached £1,150,000 in 10 months is outstanding.
'We would particularly like to thank members of our congregation, the Friends of Norwich Cathedral and local charitable trusts who have given so generously to help us reach this sum.
'It demonstrates strong local support and from this we have also been able to make applications to national trusts.'
For more about how you can help the appeal, email chaptersteward@cathedral.org.uk or visit www.cathedral.org.uk
Concert to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War
Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir is taking part in a poignant concert to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
We Will Remember Them will take place at Norwich Cathedral on November 10 and will feature a programme including Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem and Parry's Songs of Farewell.
Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir will be sharing the stage with Västerås Cathedral Motet Choir from Sweden and Norwich Cathedral Players along with soprano Katy Crompton and baritone Matthew Durkan.
The concert will be conducted by Ashley Grote and Johan Hammarström.
We Will Remember Them is at Norwich Cathedral at 7.30pm on November 10. Doors 6.45pm.
Tickets £14-£26. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.cathedral.org.uk or call the Norwich Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000.
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