THE NEW Dean of Salisbury has admitted the first choristers of his deanship, including some key changes.

The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, admitted the new choristers to the Salisbury Cathedral Choir at Evensong on Sunday, September 16.

Charlie Scammell and Benjamin Edger, who joined the choir as probationers in September 2017, were ‘bumped’ in time-honoured fashion along with Zeeshan Mahmud from Southsea, who only joined the choir at Easter this year.

Zeeshan was promoted swiftly because he had already served as a chorister in another Cathedral.

In keeping with tradition, the newly admitted trio had their heads knocked on a special stone in the South Quire Aisle, whilst the rest of the choristers chanted a welcome.

The Choir is part of a 900-year-old musical tradition at the Cathedral.

At the same service, established choristers were promoted to senior positions within the 16-strong boys choir, with Bishop’s Chorister Archie Beardsall receiving his medallion from the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury.

The Bishop’s Chorister is the most senior chorister in the boys choir.

Newly renamed this year, the role of Chancellor’s Chorister (previously Vestry Monitor) was taken up Thomas Valderamma.

Thomas received his medallion from Canon Edward Probert, Canon Chancellor and Sub-Dean of Salisbury Cathedral.

A third chorister, Sammy O’Brien, was promoted to Turner.

Addressing the three new senior choristers during the service Dean Nicholas Papadopulos said:

“May these medallions be a sign to you and to your fellow choristers of the work you do and the responsibilities you fulfil within this Cathedral."

Speaking after the service David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral said:

The first major performance for the choristers is on Saturday 10th November at 19.30, the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, when they are performing Benjamin Britten's epic War Requiem with Salisbury Musical Society, accompanied by Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra.

Any child interested in joining the choir can go to the Cathedral’s annual Be a Chorister for a Day event on Saturday, October 13.

The experience is open to children from school years 2, 3 and 4.

To book a place at Be a Chorister For a Day download an application form from https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/worship-music-cathedral-choirs/choir-recruitment, contact Kathy Davies on chorister.recruitment@salcath.co.uk or call 07979 378926