Former choristers write to Dean about Winchester Cathedral music

Fears have been expressed after the departure of organists Andrew Lumsden, director of music, shortly after organist Claudia Grinnell and in 2021 George Castle.

Music-making at the cathedral has been a central part of worship for centuries and is widely-regarded as world class. There are two choirs, boys ,and since the late 1990s, a girls choir.

Now Edward Bagnall, chairman of the Winchester Cathedral Old Choristers Association, writing on behalf of dozens of members has expressed "deep concern" about Dr Lumsden's departure and added: "We find it difficult to accept that he is leaving voluntarily. Dr Lumsden has for the past 22 years exemplified the very best of England's great choral tradition."

Mr Bagnall said he was worried the cathedral would struggle to find a suitable replacement.

"The Dean and Chapter (the cathedral's governing body) must have considered that the impact on the Cathedral's great music tradition would potentially be disastrous. No one remotely up to the standard of Dr Lumsden will take on a permanent position at Winchester if the present structure remains in place. Winchester needs a fine director of music now."

Mr Bagnall is also worried about the decline in the number of lay clerks, adult singers, now reported, to be only eight.

His letter also asks if the cathedral has used non-disclosure agreements with staff in the last six months. The use of NDAs has been called unacceptable by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

But Mr Bagnall said he welcomed the recent announcements of more funding for the girls' choir and bursaries for the boys.

Concerns are so great that the cathedral is holding meetings on Tuesday with the parents of girl choristers, the parents of boy choristers on Wednesday and the lay clerks on Thursday.

The issue has captured national newspaper attention and widespread, often ill-tempered comment on social media.

Dr Andrew Thomson, a volunteer at the cathedral has written to the Hampshire Chronicle, about the issues and the reduction in size of the choir and the number of lay clerks: "Economies could be one reason. The choir has been down in numbers for some time and, although the pandemic was undoubtedly a factor and although long term problems, such as parental worries about boarding, will have played a part, it would seem that the cathedral prefers the route of austerity - cuts to salaries and personnel rather another exacting campaign to raise the necessary funds."

The cathedral has been asked for comment.

Dr Lumsden did issue a statement about his departure, saying: "It has been a real honour for me to work here for the past 22 years." He leaves officially on July 31.