Still singing

For many years, the Diocesan Choral Festivals and Chorister Awards have been run by the SDCFG, which started some considerable time before the the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) was formed.

Unlike most other dioceses - where the responsibility for these was handed over to the RSCM years ago - this Diocese has continued to run the festivals and awards until now.

Read our previous story, ‘Our Choral Future’, here.

The RSCM has recently made changes to its local area structure and is now in a position to take over the running and validating of our awards. More details here.

This means that, after careful consideration, the Salisbury Diocesan Choral Festival Group is being phased out, allowing for arrangements already in place and the time required for the RSCM Area Committee to plan future arrangements.

Roger Bishton, Honorary Secretary of SDCFG, says:

“After discussions with the Cathedral authorities, it has been agreed that the Festival Service be cancelled in view of the ongoing Covid pandemic restrictions.

“Unfortunately, this means that we shall not be able to hold a final Festival Service but it is expected that the RSCM will arrange similar festival services in future.

“I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and friendship over the years which have been much appreciated.”

There is a small stock of remaining chorister award medallions and ribbon, if any award holder or their church would like to purchase any of these, please contact David King, Honorary Secretary of SDCFG, via treasurer.sdcfg@salisbury.anglican.org.