by Elizabeth Stratford
More Choir News
Each issue we meet one of our Choral Scholars and get to know a little bit more about them. This time it’s Libby, who has just begun her studies at the University of Chichester and sings soprano in the Cathedral Choir.
Hello Libby! Welcome to Arundel.
What are you studying at university? I am studying BMus in Vocal Performance.
Libby
What brought you to choral music?
Ever since I was little I was surrounded by choral music. Growing up it was all around me, then my brother became a chorister in our church choir and that made me want to join too. I joined my choir when I was 7 and I have made amazing friendships along the way.
What made you think about becoming a Choral Scholar at Arundel Cathedral?
Coming away to university, I wanted to continue singing in a church choral context as it has been such a big part of my life. A local family friend suggested auditioning for Arundel.
What have you done musically/chorally before coming to Arundel/Chichester?
I have been part of St Wulfram’s church choir in Grantham for 11 years gaining my RCSM Gold Award [the highest award offered in church music for a young chorister] in that time. I was Head Chorister and later a Choral Scholar within the Youth Choir for three years. I have also been lucky enough to sing in cathedrals across the country with this choir including Westminster Abbey. I have had singing lessons since I was in Year 8 reaching ABRSM Grade 8. I was also a member of the National Youth Choir Girls’ Choir between Year 6 and Year 10.
Who is your favourite composer/what’s your favourite piece of choral music and why?
I particularly love to sing the choral works of Benjamin Britten and Herbert Howells, especially Ceremony of Carols at this time of year. My favourite choral piece is Mendelssohn’s Hear My Prayer. I have lots of happy memories of singing this in lots of different places.
Do you play any instruments ?
I have played the violin since I was 8. I’ve played in groups since I first started playing and this is what I enjoy most about the violin, including local string ensembles and In the Lincolnshire County Youth Orchestra for the last five years.
What would you like to do in the future? I would like to work within music either in music therapy or within education outreach taking music to children who don’t always have access to the opportunities that I have had.
What do you do to relax? I like to go swimming and spend time at the beach.
Libby with her dog
The Choir singing at the Friends Advent Vespers Event