English Cathedral Choir of Paris : un chœur anglais au cœur de Paris

The English Cathedral Choir of Paris

In the absence of an English cathedral in Paris, it might appear strange for there to be an English cathedral choir in Paris. The choir is unique. Although there are several thousands of British subjects living in Paris and worshipping in Anglican churches, which may have adult choirs, it was not until 1987 that a choir based on the traditional structure of an English cathedral choir was founded in the French capital¹. Concert Champeaux

The choir was founded in 1987 by Christopher Wells whose aim was to pass on to his own and other children his unique experience as an English cathedral chorister and develop their taste for English sacred music.

The choristers are trained according to English techniques and learn the repertoire sung in England’s cathedrals, accompanied by counter-tenors, tenors and basses, several of whom have themselves sung in leading British choirs (notably Cambridge colleges). This is music which is often little known in France.

The choir is “at home” in the church of St Denys du St Sacrement, in the Marais, this being the parish church of a certain number of members, and takes part in services — here and in other parishes — also performing in concerts and festivals.

From time to time they go on tour in England, where they have taken part in the 9th centenary of Salisbury Cathedral choir-school and sung evensong in Winchester Cathedral. In Paris they participated in celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee in 2002, the centenary of the Entente Cordiale in 2004, and Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday in 2006 in the Madeleine.

The Wells Consort

is an adult ensemble which emerged in the wake of “The English Cathedral Choir”. Some members are former choristers who have outgrown the children’s choir. Christopher Wells has supplemented the Consort’s repertoire of sacred motets, etc., with secular works — madrigals, jazz and other light music, which is particularly appreciated in recitals in stately homes and places of historic interest !

¹A choir with boy trebles had previously existed at the American Cathedral in the 19th and early 20th centuries.