Press Release: Church of England Media Centre.
More than 200 church choirs aimed at children and young people will be launched in a new programme
‘The Choir Project’, working in partnership with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), will engage children and young people with their local church choirs amid renewed interest in sacred church music.
The launch comes as campaigners press for English Evensong to be given World Heritage Status to ensure the centuries-old Christian choral tradition is recognised as an art form of global significance.
The number of cathedral choirs in England reached a record high of 207 in 2024, but 57% of local church choirs currently have no children.
The new programme will tap into the country’s rich tradition of choral worship with a view to sparking a revival of local parish choir membership amongst Generation Alpha, engaging them actively with Christianity.
‘The Choir Project’ will support upwards of 200 churches across England to establish or renew choirs for children and young people, helping them rediscover music as a pathway to mission and discipleship.
It will draw on research which suggests that young people are more likely to remain active in faith communities when they are given meaningful roles, intergenerational relationships and opportunities for leadership.
The Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board has agreed investment with RSCM of £400,000 to support the programme, as part of its ‘Partnerships Funding’ stream.
Hugh Morris, Director of the RSCM, said: “We are delighted to be launching this exciting new project. For generations, church choirs have been one of the most natural and joyful ways for young people to encounter faith, learn about worship, and grow in confidence and belonging.
“As we look to our second century of supporting church music and musicians, RSCM sees this investment in young people as a vital step to ensuring a bright future of music ministry, and fostering active discipleship across all backgrounds and socio-economic environments, for the rich heritage we inherit today.”