The Cathedral Music Trust has launched a national campaign, representing a collective voice of organisations from across the choral and cathedral music sector, to secure UNESCO Living Heritage recognition for English sacred choral music.
A centuries-old tradition renewed with every generation, is now being put forward for inclusion in the UK’s contributions to UNESCO’s Living Heritage inventory, overseen by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to ensure the distinctive beauty of English sacred choral music is protected and continues to flourish.
According to the trust, choral music is regarded as one of the glories of the UK’s cultural living heritage with a global reputation for excellence. Far from being a relic of the past, what makes English sacred choral music unique is its continuity. Celebrated not only for its beloved historic repertoire but for the ongoing performance of its music in cathedrals, parish churches, chapels, and communities across the UK.
Emphasising the importance of English sacred choral music, Harry Christophers CBE, President of Cathedral Music Trust, commented: “Our sacred choral tradition is second to none. It is the envy of the world and is a tradition that has been going for well over 500 years. The music from those days sounds as modern as anything written today, and to gain UNESCO Living Heritage recognition would ensure that the music, both written in the past and the present, continues to be celebrated and sustained for centuries to come, alongside the many choirs, organists, directors of music and all who make this world-class tradition possible in their pursuit of excellence.“
Speaking about the global reputation of English sacred choral music renowned English composer, conductor, and producer Sir John Rutter said: “When I guest-conduct abroad as a representative of our choral tradition, I am treated like a Brazilian footballer or a Hungarian chess master. Britain is recognised around the world as a crucible of choral excellence, an accolade that needs to be acknowledged.”
Speaking about the global reputation of English sacred choral music Jonathan Mayes CEO at Cathedral Music Trust added: “Choral music is a one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with our many world-class choirs and musicians enjoying an unparalleled global reputation. Gaining UNESCO Living Heritage recognition will support the work that we, and our partners undertake to sustain this living tradition, helping to ensure that we continue to build on the deeply rooted history and profound contemporary relevance of cathedral music.”
For more information and to support the campaign visit the UNESCO Living Heritage call-to-action campaign