by Elizabeth Stratford
Arundel Choir News
Congratulations are due to the following choir members on their recent examination successes:
Astrid Bradley – Grade 1 singing - distinction
Eva Howie – Grade 2 singing – merit
Phaedra Godsmark – Grade 3 singing – pass
Amelia Howard – Grade 6 singing – distinction
Francesca Morris Warburton – Grade 7 vocals – merit
Ella Blair
We also congratulate
Alexandra Mottram – BA(Hons) Music with Teaching – First Class Honours
Sam Gillett – BA(Hons) Psychology – 2:i
Tom Kentigern-Fox – BA(Hons) Music with Teaching – 2:i
The choir are currently on their summer break and will return in September to a busy term which will include a broadcast of Choral Vespers on BBC Radio 3 for Advent. Further details will be published once they are confirmed but this is a tremendous accolade for the choir and for the Cathedral. In addition, they have been invited to sing Mass at Westminster Cathedral Saturday 30 May 2026. More details to follow.
Ella Blair (FAC Choral Scholar 2021-2023) has secured a place at Vienna State Opera.
Ella will join the prestigious Chorakademie programme, marking a major step forward in her career. The programme provides intensive professional training for emerging artists, offering performance opportunities alongside the opera house’s chorus and extra chorus, as well as individual and group tuition led by top vocal coaches.
Ella began focusing on opera during her studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Over the past two years, she has gained extensive experience through operas and opera scenes, competitions, masterclasses, and international study opportunities, including a placement in Padova, Italy. Ella said: “Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and I can’t quite believe that I will be learning from some of the very best in the industry. I grew up spending summers at my family home in Austria, so the country holds a special place in my heart." Congratulations Ella!