Music at Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral is the Mother Church of the second most ancient diocese in England, and has resounded to the singing of God's praises since AD 604, when St Augustine appointed Justus to be the first Bishop.
From its earliest times, Rochester appears to have been famous for the training of singers. In his Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Book IV Bede writes of Bishop Putta, enthroned as Bishop of Rochester in AD 669 that:
"He was extraordinarily skilful in the Roman style of church music, which he had learned from the disciples of the holy Pope Gregory".
Bede goes on to say that:
"From that time also they began in all the churches of the English to learn sacred music, which till then had been only known in Kent".
The Cathedral Choir at Rochester can therefore claim to be the heir to a very ancient tradition as it maintains the round of daily worship. Its work is supported by a Children’s Choir and adult Voluntary Choir, as well as Visiting Choirs from around the country and further-afield.
The Cathedral Choristers have been recording a special song with the BBC supporting Maidstone United as they reach the 5th stage of the FA Cup.
Applications are now open for our Sixth Form Choral Scholarship scheme. It provides opportunities for suitable skilled and enthusiastic young singers who may with to explore Choral Scholarships at University, to experience Cathedral music in a highly supportive environment.
Applications are open for our sixth form Choral and Organ scholarship programme. It provides opportunities for suitably skilled and enthusiastic young musicians to experience Cathedral music before perhaps going on to choral/organ scholarships at university.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Bawtree as Director of Music and Organist of Rochester Cathedral from September 2022. Adrian is currently Second Assistant Organist at Canterbury Cathedral and is well known at Rochester, having worked at the Cathedral as Organist 2013-2015 and Interim Director of Music 2018-2019.
Hear our spectacular organ being played by internationally acclaimed organists in the 2022 Rochester Cathedral Organ Festival. Some of the best organists based in the United Kingdom will be joining us here in Rochester.
Our Choristers recently performed for HRH The Countess of Wessex at a fundraising dinner organised by the Rochester Cathedral Trust.
Rochester Cathedral awarded revenue grant from the Cathedral Music Fund.
We are now recruiting for Choristers to join the Cathedral Choir. Applications are open to Boys and Girls currently in Year 3, (although applications from those in current Year 6/7 are also welcome).
Rochester Cathedral and King’s Rochester (the oldest choir school in the world) have announced an exciting development in the 1400 year old history of sacred music at the Cathedral.
Celebrating the art of imitation, our 2024 Choral Pilgrimage explores music from the master of parody, Orlande de Lassus, alongside works by Josquin, Casulana and Bob Chilcott.
Coming to Rochester for the Sweeps Festival? Pop into Rochester Cathedral over the weekend. We’ve got live music, stunning architecture and a chance to discover 1400 years of history.
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral, performs this free recital as part of the Sweeps Festival. Performances will take place on Sunday at 13:00 and Monday at 12:00 and will last 1 hour.
This is a free recital
We are ‘all shook up’ as one of the UK's leading Elvis tribute acts along with an incredible live band perform in 'Elvis by Candlelight' at Rochester Cathedral..Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Markus Eichenlaub from Germany will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York and following a run of sell-out shows across the UK and Australia, join us for an incredible night of Queen Anthems, performed at Rochester Cathedral, by candlelight. Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Jamie Rogers from Canterbury Cathedral will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Charles Francis from the USA will join us for our 2024 Organ Festival Series.
Tickets available online
Part of the 2024 Organ Festival Series
Adrian Bawtree will be performing at this free family friendly Organ recital inspired by Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
This is a free recital
Featuring J’Adele, the UK’s leading Adele tribute and her incredible live band, ‘Rumour Has It’ that this is going to be an unforgettable evening packed full of best loved Adele Hits! Organised by Kinda Dusty.
Ticketed