1. Home
  2. Explore

Music at the cathedral

Cathedral Choir
Cathedral Bells
Cathedral Organ

Music has been a part of worship since Biblical times. It fills the cathedral here at Durham and can speak to people of all faiths and of none.

Music

Children's choir singing

Cathedral Choir

Durham Cathedral Choir can trace its origins back to the time of the Cathedral’s foundation in the 11th century.
Cathedral bells ringing

Cathedral Bells

The sound of the bells ringing out from the central tower, echoing around Durham City and the gorge of the River Wear, is truly wonderful.
Close up of the Cathedral organ

Cathedral Organ

These instruments accompany the cathedrals choir and congregation, as well as filling the cathedral with music through solo recitals.

When can I hear the choir sing?

Our choir sings eight services each week, continuing a centuries’ old tradition.

In term-time the Cathedral choir sings Evensong six times a week at 5.30pm Tuesday – Saturday and 3.30pm on Sundays.

On Sunday mornings the choir sings at a Sung Eucharist at 10am and Matins at 11.30am.

All are welcome to join a service and listen to choral music.

Choir singing at a Christmas service

Who else sings in the Cathedral?

Our adult voluntary choir is the Cathedral Consort of Singers. They often supplement the work of the Cathedral Choir.

On Mondays and during choir holidays we regularly welcome visiting choirs from all over the world to sing services. If you would like to bring a choir to sing services, please email music@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Children's Choirs

We believe singing is a wonderful way to help children gain confidence and aim to encourage music from a young age. We offer singing sessions for all age ranges. 

Find out more about Children's Choirs
Children's Choir

Choristers and Choral Scholarships

We regularly recruit young singers as Choristers. We also offer Choral Scholarships for Durham University students.

Music Experience Events

Tower climb

Various times

Conquer the 325 spiral steps to the top of our Central Tower from where you can enjoy unrivalled views over our historic city of Durham.

As you climb take the time to discover the historic graffiti and admire the recently restored stonework, completed by our team of in-house masons.

Useful information

Climbs begin on the hour.If you arrive later than ten past the hour then you will be unable to start your climb.You may be offered a place on the next climb if available.

Each adult may take up to five children into the Central Tower.Each person climbing will need a ticket.

All climbers must agree to the Health & Safety terms and conditions at the time of booking.

We may need to close the Tower at short notice based on the weather forecast.Please check with us on the day of your climb if you are unsure.

More info

Cathedral tour

Various times

Join our experienced guides on a one hour tour of the Cathedral to learn the fascinating history of the building and those who have lived and worshipped on this site for over a thousand years.

Useful things to know

Guided tours last for around an hour.

Due to special services and events taking place in the Cathedral there may be short notice restrictions or cancellations.

There are several steps to both the Chapel of Nine Altars and the Shrine of St Cuthbert.These areas are therefore not accessible to those with mobility issues.

More info

Meet the organists

Daniel Cook - Master of the Choristers and Organist

Daniel Cook is Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral and is recognised internationally as a liturgical and concert organist of the highest order.

Joseph Beech - Sub-Organist

Joseph took up the post of Sub-Organist of Durham Cathedral in September 2019.

How you can help

Would you like to support our tradition of singing in celebration and prayer? Your support can help us keep the cathedral alive with music for years to come.

Donate here