“We are very grateful and thankful for all your support to us” ~ The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford
On Sunday 17th September 2023 we were delighted to welcome Giverny McAndry, Secretary of the Cathedral Music Trust to the Cathedral, to talk about the grant awarded, which was received by the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, and Graham Thorpe, Interim Organist & Director of Music.
“It’s wonderful to be here at Bradford in my capacity as a trustee and secretary of the Cathedral Music Trust.
“Thank you for having me today, and for letting me sing. We are delighted to celebrate the wonderful work of this very busy and vibrant music department, and mark the award of £15,000 to the music department.
“This money will go towards supporting the music of Grace Notes (Bradford Cathedral’s community choir); doing outreach in local schools; and also supporting the salary of the Assistant Director of Music.
“It’s very early in the term, but I’m sure you agree with me that the choir is sounding in fine voice, and with the work of the organ nearing completion, and Bradford being the ‘City of Culture’ in due course, I think it’s a very exciting time to come.
“In marking this award I want – on behalf of the Cathedral Music Trust – to thank you all for the amazing work that you do here every day. And when I say here I don’t just mean in the Cathedral, in the choir stalls, but in the organ loft, and in the administration office, in the song school, e-mail inboxes, parish meetings, in the car on the way to rehearsal, and on the train, and every part – it’s all important.
“Thanks also must go to the clergy, to the Cathedral team, organists, teachers, parents, and congregation. You all play a vital part in the Cathedral’s living, breathing, musical eco-system, and it couldn’t do its work without you all being here.
“The grant we are marking today is one of thirty-three awards from the Trust to churches and cathedrals up and down the country, and we couldn’t do what we do without the generosity of our friends, patrons, and donors, so thanks must also go to them.
“The Cathedral Music Trust’s mission is to transform lives through the power of sacred choral music, and – through our work – we seek to create a world where people from all walks of life have the opportunity to benefit from a high-quality, well-resourced, and valued cathedral music scene, which both upholds the centuries-old tradition, and enriches it for generations to come.
“This country’s choral tradition is world-renowned, and you are all a part of it. So, if you love cathedral music and want to see it thrive, I encourage you to look up the Cathedral Music Trust. We work across the country, garnering interest in, and support for, cathedrals and their amazing music and musicians.
“I offer my great thanks and would invite you to join me in congratulating them on all the wonderful things this music department does. May they go from strength to strength.”