Dean wants
music to reflect changing city but traditionalists say centuries of history being jettisoned
For centuries, the cherubic faces of choirboys in white ruffs have been part of church culture. Choristers usually came from privileged backgrounds, were coached by expert music masters at fee-paying schools attached to cathedrals and churches, and performed exquisite choral music, often in Latin.
Some of that has changed. The first girls were admitted, at
Salisbury cathedral, almost 30 years ago and choirs have become more diverse.