Truro Cathedral Choir returning on 13 September 2020

After an absence of six-months, the cathedral is thrilled to confirm that Truro Cathedral Choir will return to sing at the 10.00am Sunday services from Sunday 13 September. The choir, consisting of choristers, lay vicars and choral scholars, will alternate its boy and girl choristers each week. The choir will not be singing at the second Sunday service which will move to the slightly later time of 11.45am and will feature the Father Willis Organ only. It is planned that Evensong services sung by Truro Cathedral Choir will resume from Sunday 4 October and a further update regarding service and opening times will be posted on this nearer the time.

Additionally, after extensive review and in accordance with government 1m+ guidelines, from this Sunday, 6 September, the capacity at Sunday services will increase from 51 to 90.

The safety of the cathedral choir, staff, volunteers, congregation and visitors remains paramount and the decision to resume singing by the choir and extend the capacity has been taken only after completion of detailed risk assessments using the latest government and Church of England guidance.

The cathedral is happy to take this next step, however some changes will be implemented to ensure the safety of all present. You can read about these key changes below.

Please be reminded that although capacity has increased, attendance at the 10.00am and 11.45am Sunday services must be pre-booked as spaces are still limited. The cathedral team thanks everyone who plans to attend for familiarising themselves in advance with the new worship rules and processes in addition to the general guidance on visiting the cathedral.

SUNG SERVICES

The choir will be singing the 10.00am Sunday service each week from 13 September, and it is currently planned that the choir will sing Evensong from 4 October.

VISITING & SERVICE TIMES

Current visiting times remain the same (Sundays, 1.00pm-3.00pm; Monday – Saturday 10.00am-3.00pm). The one current change to service times relates to the second Sunday Eucharist service which will take place at 11.45am from Sunday 13 September.

Please note that advance booking is only required for the 10.00am and 11.45am Sunday Eucharist services.

CHOIR LOCATION

It is currently not possible for the choir to sing from its usual area in the quire. Instead, for all sung services, choir members will be positioned in a spaced semi-circle format under the central tower. The altar currently being used for Eucharist services will be brought forward and positioned at an appropriate distance between the choir and congregants. This area of the cathedral will be sectioned off and not accessible by members of the public during general opening hours.

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

The latest guidance permits singing only by choirs adhering to the latest detailed and strict guidelines. Therefore, regrettably services will still not contain congregational hymns. Congregants are also reminded that face coverings must be worn at all times.

SEATING

The capacity has increased to 90 for services in the nave and so seating will be arranged to enable worshippers to be 1m apart.  If you are from the same household and you wish to sit together please inform the steward and they will organise moving the seats together where appropriate. To comply with 1m+ guidelines, worshippers must wear a face covering.

CHOIR PROCESSION

Again, to maintain social distancing, the choir will be in position and seated prior to services starting. There will be no procession.

FACE COVERINGS

Those attending services are reminded that face coverings must be worn. Those leading worship, including the choir, will wear face coverings in general but will follow the guidelines that enable them to be removed at certain times while carrying out their duties.

HOLY COMMUNION

The nave altar will be repositioned to the very front of the nave and Holy Communion will continue to be distributed from the front of the altar.

REHEARSAL

To ensure adequate social distancing can be maintained, choir rehearsals will take place in the cathedral rather than the crypt. Where possible rehearsals will be undertaken outside of the cathedral’s opening hours. Where not possible, the location of some weekday services (Holy Communion and Morning Prayer) will relocate from the nave to St Mary’s Aisle.

TOILETS

The cathedral’s toilets will be closed to the public for a short period immediately before sung services to enable safe use by choristers.