Chichester Cathedral is aiming to ensure the long-term future of the music-making which has shaped its daily life and worship across nine and a half centuries.
For 950 years, music has been the soul of Chichester Cathedral, inspiring worship and connecting communities.
Chichester Cathedral’s renowned choir, known for its distinctive “Chichester Sound,” has enriched worship for centuries. Alongside free lunchtime concerts and an Organ Scholar programme, it upholds a proud musical tradition.
However, financial challenges threaten this legacy. With no government or Church of England funding, the Cathedral relies entirely on donors. The annual cost of supporting music at the Cathedral is nearly £450,000, with almost half allocated to chorister scholarships.
Here you can discover how you can help secure the future of this cherished tradition through the Chichester Cathedral Platinum Endowment Trust for Music. With opportunities for matched funding and chorister sponsorship, your support can make a lasting impact, helping to preserve the Cathedral’s musical legacy for generations to come.
The objective is to guarantee that Chichester Cathedral will continue to “maintain the highest standards of musical performance and education whilst safeguarding from future financial pressures.”
Read an interview of the Dean of Chichester Cathedral on SussexWorld.
Celebrating 950 Years
2025 marks the 950th anniversary of the formation of the Diocese of Chichester and Chichester Cathedral.
In 1075 the decision was made to move the seat of the Bishop from Selsey to the more populous Roman settlement of Chichester, then Noviomagus. This was followed by the construction of the Cathedral, a sacred place of worship and Mother Church to the Diocese – a flourishing Christian community that falls within the boundaries of East and West Sussex.
To celebrate 950 years of religious, cultural and civic life across the City, District and Counties, the Diocese and Cathedral have curated a diverse programme of events taking place in 2025.
Visit the Cathedral page on Music in Portsmouth to fnd out about the main music events. Read more.
Read Chichester Cathedral honours 60th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with landmark concert on Music in Portsmouth.
Photo credit Andrew Illes
