Herald AV Publications

HAVPCD143 – Sing Joy The Day Christmas Carols from Ely Cathedral

The singing at Ely Cathedral has been famous since the time of King Canute. Edward the Confessor attended the monastic school and probably sang in the choir, but the group of boy choristers, as we know them today, was first brought together to sing the daily mass in the newly-built Lady Chapel in the 15th century. Adult professional singers were added as required, and the choir was given its present form in the mid-16th century. It normally consists of eighteen Choristers and six Lay Clerks, but on occasions the men’s rank is increased to twelve.