Chorister’s Prize

By Dr Elizabeth Stratford BMus(Hons) MA(MusLit) DipABRSM FGCM FRSA Organist and Master of the Choristers Arundel Cathedral

Jago Bradley is the latest chorister to achieve the Guild of Church Musicians’ Archbishops’ Chorister Medal for singers under the age of 18. He becomes the youngest candidate ever to attain the prestigious award but what makes his achievement even more remarkable is that he has obtained the highest mark of any candidate ever taking the examination, also beating his older sister Isla who previously held the record for being the youngest successful candidate.

The examination consists of solo singing, musical tests and a discussion with the examiner about various areas of liturgical and musical knowledge.

Jago said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d got a distinction and the highest mark and was also the youngest to sit the exam! My sister sat the exam during lockdown last year and it inspired me to try – I’m so glad I did!” A chorister in Arundel Cathedral Choir, 9 year old Jago has continued to lead music and worship with his peers during the pandemic often under difficult conditions with fewer singers than normal or on a socially distanced basis. He has remained committed to rehearsals and services and has enjoyed learning new music where possible. However, he contracted COVID-19 in November and has only just recovered. “I didn’t feel too bad”, he said, “just a bit snuffly and tired and was glad to get back to school, choir and the other things I do. It was very boring having to isolate.”

Now back to full heath, Jago is looking forward to a busy Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral. Jago worked very hard for his ACM and he particularly enjoyed working on Howard Goodall’s setting of Psalm 23 and we had some laughter along the way, particularly when he spent 15 minutes describing the entire Christmas story. We are delighted that his efforts and hard work have been rewarded and hope he will continue to enjoy singing in the choir and putting the skills he has developed for this exam to good use.

His parents said “We are over the moon for Jago – he’s worked so hard and singing has become such an important part of his life now. He was beaming from ear to ear when he got the news and we’re thrilled Dr Stratford was able to give him this opportunity. It’s particularly special because it didn’t just focus on his musical ability but he also had to explain about music and liturgy to the examiner in his own words!

The medal is open to anyone under the age of 18 who sings in a Christian faith-based choir. For further information please visit the Examinations page on the Guild’s website at www.gcm.org.uk.

Membership of Arundel Cathedral Choir is open to children aged 7 and above and is free of charge. Places are currently available for boys, girls and adults. For enquiries please email arundelcathedralmusic@gmail.com. Jago Bradley