Manchester Cathedral Choir comprises a treble line of 16 boys and girls and 9 lay clerks. The children all attend ChethamÂs School of Music for their education from ages 8-13. The Choir has an extensive repertoire of music from the plainsong to the present day. In addition to its principal function of singing the Opus Dei, the Choir is a frequent contributor to BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and television and has recorded five CDs over the last four years.
The Manchester Cathedral Choir is directed by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, Christopher Stokes, who was appointed to Manchester Cathedral in 1996, having previously held posts in two of LondonÂs leading churches: as organist and Master of Music at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square and Director of Music at St, MargaretÂs, Westminster Abbey. He is well-known as a choral conductor and as a solo organist, having performed extensively both in the UK and abroad. He is also known for his work as an orchestral musician, having performed with most of the countryÂs leading orchestras. Whilst in London, Christopher taught the organ at Trinity College of Music. He was invited to become Head of Organ Studies at ChethamÂs School of Music in 1994. He is a council member of the Royal College of Organists and serves on its Executive Committee. He was also the Artistic Director of the Royal College of Organists Performer of the Year 2000 competition.
