History made with the first official girls’ choir at historic St. Columb’s

Several young choristers have already signed up for the exciting initiative at Derry’s historic St. Columb’s Cathedral.

The innovative initiative is led by assistant organist Nicky Morton, who is also one of the founders of St. Columb’s School of Music.

Nicky told the ‘Journal’ that he hoped the move would give young musicians the opportunity to develop their potential and he stressed that it was open to people of all faiths.

Nicky is delighted to follow the example of many cathedrals across Ireland and Britain in establishing a new tradition of girls’ choirs.

“This is the first official launch of a girls’ choir. For years we have had altar boys due to the nature of the cathedral tradition.

“We thought, given that it’s 2022, and a lot of parents have asked us – ‘have you got anything for the girls?’ – it was time to start the choir,” he said.

Derry’s Féile to celebrate its 30th anniversaryNicky, of course, is steeped in the tradition of St. Columb’s. Her father, the Reverend William Morton, served as dean of the cathedral for years, before moving to Dublin in 2016, when he became dean of St. Patrick’s, the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland.

A music center, St. Patrick’s provided some inspiration. “Five or six years ago, we talked about it for the first time. We were inspired by cathedrals in the UK and Ireland. My dad is actually the dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. They already have a working girls choir at St. Patrick’s, so it wasn’t too hard to find! Nicki added.

“Derry has always been known for its music. This is the city of song and we hope the girls choir will be a resounding success,” said Nicky.

To get involved, contact www.stcolumbsschoolofmusic.com. It is open to girls aged 7 to 16.