As Chichester Cathedral marks its 950th anniversary, it is focusing on safeguarding its cherished musical heritage for the future.
With the support of three anonymous donors and one foundation, £950,000 in match funding has been pledged.
This initiative aims to encourage further charitable contributions, helping to gather an additional £950,000 to preserve the Cathedral's musical traditions for future generations.
Since its foundation in 1075, Chichester Cathedral has been a place of worship, reflection, and creative inspiration. Music has been at the heart of this legacy for over nine centuries, from the soaring voices of the Cathedral Choir to the magnificent sound of its organ. The 950th anniversary is a moment to honour this remarkable tradition while ensuring that it thrives for future generations.
The Cathedral’s Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, launched in 2024, is building a £5 million fund to provide long-term financial stability for its world-class music programme. With £2.8 million already secured - excluding the new £950,000 match-funding pledge - this campaign presents a transformative opportunity to bridge the gap and bring the Cathedral closer to its £5 million goal. Once fully funded, the endowment will generate sustainable income to support not only choral services at the Cathedral, but a world-class musical education for young people, organ scholarships, and free lunchtime concerts.
The Very Reverend Dr Edward Dowler, Dean of Chichester, reflected on the importance of this initiative: "For 950 years, music has filled Chichester Cathedral, uplifting worshippers and inspiring pilgrims and visitors. Cathedral music is more than an ancient tradition, it is a living, breathing part of our shared heritage and a wonderful gift to hand on to future generations. This match-funding opportunity allows us to ensure it continues for the next 950 years."
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