Buckfast Abbey is seeking boy or girl choristers to join its choir.
Children aged between 7–12 are invited to audition to join the chorister programme. The Abbey provides a generous scholarship for each chorister which covers the cost of receiving a superb musical education.
All that is required for the auditions is a love of singing and a willingness to commit to the choir’s schedule of rehearsals and services.
New choristers will become part of a talented team of child singers whose voices enhance the Abbey’s worship each week. Choristers perform at services, high-profile concerts, both in the Abbey and around the local area. Each summer the Abbey Choristers go on tour around the country to perform to wider audiences, and recent tours have seen them travel to Liverpool and York, with their first foreign tour planned for 2025.
The choristers are trained by Robert Pecksmith, Assistant Master of the Music at Buckfast Abbey. Dr Pecksmith commented: “There will be many families in the area whose son or daughter has real musical promise, and who will benefit from the chance to become a chorister with us.”
“All we are looking for is some innate musicality and a spark in their eye.”
“In addition to developing musical skills, choristers also acquire lifelong skills such as self-discipline, concentration, good organisation, and attention to detail. And all this happens while playing a part in the life of one of the most beautiful and inspiring buildings in Devon.”
The Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast Abbey, said: “The choir enriches and enhances our liturgical life by drawing on the great heritage of church music. It also offers choristers wonderful educational opportunities as well as much fun and a sense of achievement. I encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
Buckfast Abbey is conveniently located midway between Exeter and Plymouth, just off the A38. Home to a community of Benedictine monks, the Abbey offers a unique, tranquil ambience, and is open seven days a week to the public. For more information about music at Buckfast Abbey visit www.buckfast.org.uk/music