York Minster makes the UK’s Top 50 Visitor Attractions list for 2022
York Minster was one of the 50 most popular visitor attractions in the UK in 2022 according to figures released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) today (Friday 17 March).
Last year, York Minster welcomed 620,591 visitors for worship and tourism, an increase of 133% on 2021 (266,183) and not far short of the cathedral’s record visitor number of 706,484 in 2019. The increase helped the cathedral to rise from 80th to 49th position in ALVA’s listing.
Barbara George, Director of Visitor Experience at York Minster said: “This is great news for the team at York Minster and a tribute to their energy, resilience and commitment after a tough couple of years. Great hospitality is at the heart of everything we do and it is reassuring that so many people made the journey to York to visit the Minster last year. We will continue to work hard to deliver a world-class welcome for all of our visitors.”
York Minster is preparing for another busy year. The Royal Maundy Service will take place at the cathedral on Thursday 6 April in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. The cathedral’s programme for 2023 includes a summer recital series and a children’s concert featuring the recently restored Grand Organ, an updated exhibition Majesty: Monarchy & York Minster celebrating the Coronation and a Christmas tree festival in December. Visitors are also invited to join daily worship and to complete their day with an Evensong service in the Minster’s Quire. Evensong is the most popular service of the day, an opportunity for prayer and reflection and to experience superb English Choral Music performed by the internationally renowned Choir of York Minster.
Yorkits Workshop returns to York Minster to mark International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day at York Minster, will be marked by the annual Yorkits Workshop where teams of volunteers make washable, re-usable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries. The 2023 event will be held on Wednesday 8 March.
Run by Rotary York Ainsty, Yorkits is a hands-on community project bringing women and girls from York and the region together, to make feminine hygiene kits which change the lives of young girls by keeping them in education during their menstruation.
Yorkits has devised a practical, low cost, re-usable and eco-friendly solution to this problem – using brightly patterned cottons to make cleverly designed pads and covers which are then packed into attractive drawstring bags. These can be easily sewn by hand or with a sewing machine.
Each kit includes underwear, a wash cloth and two one-gallon, super-strong polythene zip-locked bags to enable items to be washed easily – particularly important in areas where clean water is scarce – plus a waterproof carry bag for soiled items. The kits are then taken by volunteers to overseas projects run by Rotary, churches and other voluntary organisations.
Yorkits Organiser Janice Lawson said: “Yorkits have been sending feminine hygiene kits to girls in developing countries for ten years now. Each kit allows a girl to go to school when she is having her period, rather than be isolated at home, missing education and being vulnerable to abuse. A kit should last a girl for 3 years – equal to 200 days of schooling not missed.
We are pleased to be back at the Minster for the eighth time – it gives us a big boost to our kit making. We completed 70 kits at last year’s Minster event – that’s equal to 14,000 days of schooling.”
This year’s annual Yorkits Workshop will take place on Wednesday 8 March at York Minster. There will be two sessions: 10am until 12.30pm and 1.30 until 4pm. All materials and equipment will be provided and refreshments will be available.
Places at the workshops are limited and free tickets need to be booked in advance. Tickets are available by calling 01904 557200 or by going to Yorkits – York Minster
Please note: there is a suggested donation of £3.00, payable on the day, to cover the costs of materials and to help towards seed-funding community self-help groups overseas to make kits out of local materials.
York Minster vigil to mark the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine
A short vigil will be held in York Minster on Friday 24 February to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Organised in partnership with local charity York City of Sanctuary, the vigil will include readings, prayers, music and reflections from the Ukrainian Community in York as we continue to hold in our hearts the suffering of all those affected by the war.
Commenting on the vigil, the Revd Canon Maggie McLean, York Minster’s Canon Missioner said: “The war is a tragedy for the people of Ukraine, for Europe and for Russia. We will hold this vigil and pray for the end of this terrible conflict. We must also hold onto the hope that the people of Ukraine will experience peace and safety in their country in the near future.”
The vigil for Ukraine will take place in the cathedral’s nave on Friday 24 February starting at 12 noon and will last around an hour.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter at York Minster
York Minster today announced its services and events for Lent, Holy Week and Easter 2023.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday (22 February), Christians across the world will keep a season of penitence culminating in the observance of Holy Week. This week recalls with the passion, crucifixion and burial of Jesus, and on Easter Day, the joyful celebration of his resurrection from the dead.
Maundy Thursday (6 April), will mark an historic occasion in the life of the cathedral. His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen Consort, will visit York Minster for the first Royal Maundy Service of The King’s reign.
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington will lead the cathedral’s Lent, Holy Week and Easter Services for the first time. During Holy Week, he will preach a series of themed sermons entitled ‘The Last Word’.
Dominic said: “The journey of Lent and Holy Week is the greatest drama of the Christian year. Jesus’ journey to the Cross is relentless and tough. It is a mixture of friendship and betrayal, fear and forgiveness, culminating in the ultimate climax of death and resurrection.”
“We hope that people of all faiths and none, people with questions and people curious about Jesus’ story will come to York Minster to share in this great story and learn more of the depth of God’s love.”
Full details of key events and services are below or can be found here.
The arrival of the Lent Cross – Tuesday 21 February
The Lent Cross, the central symbol of the Christian Faith, will be suspended from the Central Tower.
Ash Wednesday – Wednesday 22 February
Lent, Holy Week and Easter lie at the heart of the Christian faith. Come and share this time together as our vast sacred spaces are brought to life with the glory of seasonal worship and music.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent – a season of reflection, penitence and fasting, and of preparation for Easter. The Imposition of Ashes will take place during our services of Holy Communion – the ashes are blessed and the sign of the cross is made, in ash, on the forehead of worshippers.
Ash is a sign of mortality – a reminder that we shall all die. The sign of the cross reminds us of Jesus’ death – which was followed by his being raised to new life. Ash Wednesday reminds us that through ‘dying’ to all that is self-centred in our lives, we may, through faith in Jesus, share in the fullness of life he came to bring.
The Minster will be open for prayer and worship only on that day. All are welcome, whether to join acts of worship, to pray on their own or to experience the space.
Service times and Imposition of Ashes:
- 7.30am: Matins
- 7.50am: Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
- 12noon: Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
- 4.00pm: Evening Prayer (Said)
- 5.30pm: Choral Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (with Allegri’s Miserere)
Stations of the Cross – Wednesday 25 March until Sunday 16 April
7.00am – 7.00pm
The Stations of the Cross originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since, Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.
This year pilgrims will be able to journey around seven stations in Dean’s Park, featuring artwork by local school children and material to encourage reflection and prayer. A final station will be placed inside the Minster on Easter Day, Sunday 9 April.
The stations will be available for people to explore each day from Wednesday 25 March, to Sunday 16 April in Dean’s Park, which lies to the north of the cathedral and is open daily from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
Lent Sermon Series
Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through the Sundays in Lent, we explore the themes developed by the Archbishop of York in his Lent Course during the York Minster’s 11.00am Sunday Sung Eucharist.
At 12.30pm, following the Eucharist, there will be an opportunity to discuss the Lenten sermon theme over light-lunch with the preacher of the day and the Minster’s Canon Missioner. All are welcome. For more details contact: nextsteps@yorkminster.org
The sermon themes will be:
22 February, Ash Wednesday – Prayer
26 February, First Sunday in Lent – Worship
5 March, Second Sunday in Lent – Love
12 March, Third Sunday in Lent – Generosity
19 March, Fourth Sunday in Lent – Witness
26 March, Fifth Sunday in Lent – Rest.
York Minster’s Sunday Worship during Lent (starting Sunday 26 February)
All are welcome to join York Minster’s Sunday worship, which will follow this pattern:
8.00am – Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer
A quiet and contemplative service of Holy Communion in the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
10.00am – Choral Matins
The Choir of York Minster will lead this traditional contemplative service of Choral Matins with canticles, psalms, readings, and State Prayers.
11.00am – Sung Eucharist
The Choir of York Minster will sing at this service of congregational hymns, readings and a sermon on the themes listed above.
These services are also livestreamed.
4.00pm – Choral Evensong
Choral evensong is sung each Sunday by the Choir of York Minster as we continue our journey through the holy season of Lent. With music, readings and a sermon exploring Lenten themes.
These services are also livestreamed.
Lent Compline with Meditation – Thursdays (from 23 February until 30 March)
8.30pm – 9.10pm
A meditative service of candle-lit Compline or ‘night prayer’ sung by the Ebor Singers in the Quire of York Minster with traditional prayers, beautiful music and silence. During these services of shadows and light, the Choir will sing excerpts from Tomas Luis de Victoria’s Tenebrae Responsories, a cycle of 18 pieces that trace the Passion story, originally included in the Holy Week service of Tenebrae at which the candles of the church were successfully extinguished.
Each service will include a short meditation on one of six ‘habits of Christlikeness’ connecting to the newly formed Diocesan Rhythm of life and the Archbishop of York’s Lent Course.
Compline will take place every Thursday at 8.30pm, no booking is required. The dates are:
- Thursday 23 February – Prayer
- Thursday 2 March – Worship
- Thursday 9 March – Love
- Thursday 16 March – Generosity
- Thursday 23 March – Witness
- Thursday 30 March – Rest.
Handel’s Messiah – Saturday 25 March
Performed by the Choir of York Minster, 7.00pm, Nave.
For the first time since 2019, the Choir of York Minster will be joined by internationally renowned soloists for a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the spectacular setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
It will be the first time the choir has performed the popular oratorio since December 2019, and the first time in recent years that they have staged the moving and poignant choral performance, which tells the story of Christ, during the season of Lent and Easter.
Holy Week at York Minster
Holy Week sermon series from the Dean of York
The Very Revd. Dominic Barrington, Dean of York will preach throughout Holy Week, offering a series of sermons entitled The Last Word.
The sermons will be given at the following services:
Procession and Eucharist for Palm Sunday, Sunday 2 April, 10.30am
Compline, Monday 3 April and Tuesday 4 April, 7.30pm
Holy Communion, Wednesday 5 April, 12noon
Eucharist of the Last Supper, Thursday 6 April, 7.00pm
The Three Hours’ Devotion and Liturgy of Good Friday, Friday 7 April at 1.30pm
The Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, Saturday 8 April, 8.00pm
Palm Sunday, Sunday 2 April
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter Day. On this day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
10.30am: Procession and Eucharist for Palm Sunday
The service will begin outside the Minster on the South Piazza when a procession led by a donkey leads the congregation into the cathedral via the West End. The Eucharist will include the Passion Gospel, sung by the Choir of York Minster, and the blessing of palm crosses, as a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and what would come afterwards. This service turns from triumph to sorrow, marking the beginning of Jesus’ journey towards the cross.
Part of this service will also be livestreamed from inside the Minster.
4.00pm: Choral Evensong
A service of Choral Evensong which prepares us for our walk with Christ through Holy Week.
This service will also be livestreamed.
7.30pm: Stainer’s Crucifixion
The Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster, will perform John Stainer’s Crucifixion. The work incorporates congregational hymns with a recounting of the passion of Christ.
Choral Evensong – sung daily during Holy Week by the Choir of York Minster.
Compline in Holy Week, Monday 3 April and Tuesday 4 April
7.30pm – 8.30pm
This beautiful candlelit service of night prayer or ‘compline’ will be sung by The Ebor Singers, with Holy Week Addresses given by the Dean of York. The service is a form of prayer said at the completion of the day, and traditionally after this service we are encouraged to enter into a period of silence. On Monday, the choir will sing J. S. Bach’s motet Jesu meine freude, with its commentary on Jesus Christ freeing man from sin and death. Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s vivid depiction of St Peter’s three-time denial of Jesus in his oratorio Le Reniement de St Pierre, can be heard on Tuesday.
Chrism Eucharist, Tuesday 4 April
11.00am
The Chrism Eucharist takes its name from Chrismation (anointing). The Archbishop of York will preach and will bless three oils for baptism, confirmation, and healing. The Archbishop will gather clergy from around the Diocese to renew the vows made at their ordinations, remembering the ministry to which they are called.
This service will also be livestreamed.
York Minster will be open for services only on this day.
The Royal Maundy Service, Thursday 6 April
The first Royal Maundy Service in the reign of His Majesty King Charles III, will take place at York Minster starting at 11am. Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus Christ washing the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. The service is rooted in the ancient history and traditions of the church. Sovereigns throughout the centuries have imitated Jesus’ actions, first through washing the feet of beggars and then through history, evolving into the giving of a small gift of coins.
74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) selected from Church of England dioceses across the country, will receive the Maundy gift from The King, to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.
5.30pm: Choral Evensong
7.00pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper
The Eucharist of the Last Supper recalls the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room, before his arrest and trial. We remember that Jesus called us to love and serve one another through the washing of feet. As we bless bread and wine, we follow his command to proclaim his death until he comes in glory. The Dean of York will preach at this service.
8.30pm: The Watch
The Watch will follow the Eucharist of the last Supper. The Watch – a type of vigil – recalls the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, trial and crucifixion.
Good Friday, Friday 7 April
On Good Friday, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus.
York Minster will be given to prayer and worship only on this day. All are welcome, whether to join acts of worship, to pray on their own.
12noon – The Three Hours’ Devotion with the Liturgy of Good Friday
We begin the Three Hours’ Devotion with a service of meditation, music and prayers with periods of silence and addresses given by the Holy Week Preacher. At 1.30pm, the formal Liturgy of Good Friday will commence with a sung passion, veneration of the cross and a sermon by the Dean of York.
This service will be livestreamed at 12noon and 1.00pm.
5.30pm – Choral Evensong for Good Friday
The Choir of York Minster will sing including Antonio Lotti’s anthem for 8 voices, Crucifixus etiam pro nobis, a traditional Lenten piece.
Saturday Mornings at York Minster, Saturday 8 April, 10.00am
Join our sessions for families – Saturday Mornings at York Minster – and get hands on creating and blessing York Minster’s Easter Garden as part of the cathedral’s activity to mark Holy Saturday. The session will also include a fun and interactive short service exploring the Easter story.
The Saturday Mornings at York Minster sessions run throughout the year and explore the seasons in the Christian calendar, with different interactive opportunities each time including craft workshops, sensory activities, music and worship.
Families are invited to come at any time during the free 45 minute event, which starts at 10.00am, and stay for as long or as little as they like.
Future dates for 2023 include:
Saturday 27 May – Pentecost
Saturday 9 September – Harvest/ Creationtide
Saturday 11 November – Remembering
Saturday 2 December – Advent and Christmas
Easter Eve, The Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter,
Saturday 8 April, 8.00pm
This Eucharist moves from darkness to light. We recall God’s saving actions through time, culminating in the Resurrection in the light of the first Easter Day.
The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. During this service a number of candidates will reaffirm their faith through confirmation. The Archbishop of York will preside and the Dean of York will preach at this service which will be sung by the St William’s Singers.
Easter Day, Sunday 9 April
On Easter Day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
8.00am: Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
A simple said service in the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
10.00am: Choral Matins on Easter Day
Following the pattern of Matins from the Book of Common Prayer, with sung psalms, canticles and an anthem.
11.00am: Festal Eucharist on Easter Day
We greet the risen Lord with joy, proclaiming Alleluia, Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! The Archbishop of York will preach and preside.
This service will also be livestreamed.
4.00pm: Festal Evensong
A great day of rejoicing culminates in an uplifting service of Choral Evensong. The preacher will be the Dean of York.
This service will also be livestreamed.
York Minster to host Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort’s first Royal Maundy Service
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today expressed his delight that the first Royal Maundy service in the reign of His Majesty The King will take place at York Minster on Thursday 6 April. His Majesty will be accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) selected from Church of England dioceses across the country, and Anglican and Ecumenical partners across the UK, will receive the Maundy, a gift from The King, to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. The service is rooted in the ancient history and traditions of the church.
Commenting on the service, Dean Dominic said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen York Minster to be his cathedral church for the first Maundy Service of his reign.
Taking place in Holy Week, this historic service symbolises, humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others. The King’s Maundy gift will be a moment of celebration and thanksgiving for 148 exceptional people who have made an impact in their communities.”
The late Queen distributed the Royal Maundy at York Minster on two occasions: first on 30 March 1972 and again on 5 April 2012, during her Diamond Jubilee Year. A plaque commemorating both visits can be found on the Queen’s Path between St William’s College and York Minster.
Top soloists join Choir of York Minster for Handel’s Messiah
For the first time since 2019, the Choir of York Minster will be joined by internationally renowned soloists on Saturday 25 March for a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the spectacular setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
It will be the first time the choir has performed the popular oratorio since December 2019, and the first time in recent years that they have staged the moving and poignant choral performance, which tells the story of Christ, during the season of Lent and Easter.
The choir will be joined by an orchestra and world renowned soloists Keri Fuge (Soprano), Ed Lyon (Tenor), Victoria Simmonds (Mezzo-Soprano) and Morgan Pearse (Baritone) for the concert.
The famous work was first performed in Dublin in 1742 and has since become one of the best-known and most popular English oratorios.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “It’s the first time we have performed the piece during the season of Lent and Easter, which is when the piece was first performed in 1742, and we look forward to bringing this timeless work back to the awe-inspiring and atmospheric setting of the cathedral’s Nave.
“We have a great line up of soloists including dramatic baritone, Morgan Pearse, whose third York Minster Messiah this will be. He, Ed Lyon (Tenor), Victoria Simmonds (Mezzo-Soprano) and Keri Fuge (Soprano) will, alongside the Minster choir, bring their magic to this evergreen work.”
British Soprano Keri Fuge is in demand for her work in opera, concert and recital. She sings regularly in many major European opera houses such as the Grande Theatre de Geneve, Staatstheater Klagenfurt, Opéra du Luxembourg and with orchestras worldwide including the Royal Concertgebouw Orkest, Singapore Symphony, Bach Akademie Stuttgart and Nordeutscher Runkfunk and in the UK with Glyndebourne, English National Opera and many of the UK’s leading orchestras and choirs.
Ed Lyon studied at St John’s College Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. He has a wide repertoire ranging from the baroque to contemporary music and has appeared in many of the world’s leading opera and concert venues including the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, Bayerische Staatsoper, Dutch National Opera, Teatro Real, Edinburgh, Aix, Salzburg, Holland and Aldeburgh Festivals and the BBC Proms.
Victoria Simmonds studied with David Pollard at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has sung numerous roles at all of the major UK opera companies including Fox The Cunning Little Vixen and Meg Page Falstaff (Garsington), Boy Way Back Home (English National Opera), Angel 2/Marie Written on Skin (Netherlands Opera, Toulouse, Lisbon, Opéra Comique Paris, Royal Opera House, La Scala Milan, Lincoln Centre New York.
Morgan Pearse is one of the most exciting baritones of his generation. He studied at the Royal College of Music where he won the Lies Askonas Prize and Gold Medal at the Royal Over Seas League Competition. He went on to become a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio and made his UK debut at English National Opera singing Figaro / Barber of Seville.
The concert takes place on Saturday 25 March at 7pm with tickets priced at £30, £18.50 and £12.50, and a concession price of £5 for under 27s. Tickets are available now via yorkminster.org or by calling 01904 557200.
York Minster seeking new boy choristers for its world-famous choir
York Minster and St Peter’s School York, are searching for school boys, currently in Year 3, to audition for the internationally-renowned Choir of York Minster and the chance to receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, York, starting in September this year. Formal singing experience is not required for the auditions, a love of singing is all that is needed.
The Choir of York Minster is made up of 16 boys, 16 girls and 12 adult singers. The new boy choristers will be part of a talented team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the cathedral.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. In November of last year, York Minster’s choristers had the chance to meet and perform for His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort. They also take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and tour abroad. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster.
The auditions held earlier this year resulted in a full complement of girl choristers, but some spaces remain unfilled for the boys. Robert Sharpe said that he is keen to make sure that the boys remain at full strength.
He said: “There will be many families in York and the wider region with a son who absolutely loves singing and who might just be one of the boys that we are looking for. Previous experience of singing in a choir or group situation is absolutely not necessary.
“Parent and carers need not be daunted by the audition process nor by the commitment involved. At this stage we are looking to identify boys with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting a fully-formed singer. Energy, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour are just as important as musical talent and the time spent singing quickly becomes part of a child’s well-being and enjoyment.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, training as a chorister helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, being organised, concentration, poise and attention to detail. This is a unique opportunity for a boy to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
York Minster’s choristers receive an excellent education at award-winning St Peter’s School, TES Independent School of the Year in 2021. St Peter’s is the fourth oldest school in the world, sharing its foundation with York Minster in 627AD with exciting plans being developed for the 1,400th anniversary in 2027. The Chapter of York provides a significant bursary for each chorister and families are supported through applications for means-tested funding which potentially increases the level of funding to 100%.
Commenting on the search for new boy choristers, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School, York said:
“The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers excellent and often life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests. I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
The new choristers will join the Choir of York Minster from September 2023. Parents are encouraged to make enquiries with St Peter’s as soon as possible. Full details can be found on the school’s website: www.stpetersyork.org.uk
York Minster’s Commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Wednesday 25 January 2023, to remember more than 6 million Jewish people and the many other groups murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War and the millions who have died in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Minster’s act of commemoration is part of a week-long programme of events taking place across the city of York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.
The event at York Minster will begin with a Choral Evensong service at 5.30pm which is attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities.
This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which also includes readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster, said: “The international theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is ‘Ordinary People’, which encourages people to reflect on the importance of those ordinary men and women who, although caught up in the events that surround them, find courage and humanity not to dehumanise other people and who offer small acts of kindness which might just be all it takes to give hope and offer a tiny glimmer of light in the darkest of moments”.
A New Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer for York Minster
The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, today announced the appointment of David Colthup as York Minster’s new Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer. David will start his new role on Monday 9 January 2023. He succeeds Kathryn Blacker who recently left the Minster for a new role at York Museums Trust.
David recently left the Army after a career spanning more than 30 years having originally commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989. He has commanded Yorkshire soldiers in various locations around the world on operations and training and most recently was the Director of Operations for all Army recruiting and initial training.
As Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer, David will oversee the cathedral’s complex and diverse day-to-day operations. He will lead and support a multi-disciplinary staff team delivering governance, security, safeguarding, HR, finance, retail, visitor welcome, events, learning, marketing, music, IT, historic collections and care of the buildings and land within the York Minster Precinct.
David will also build and maintain effective relationships with the Minster’s diverse array of external partners in the city, Diocese of York, Yorkshire and the north of England, the wider Church of England and networks such as the Association of English Cathedrals and the Cathedral Workshops’ Fellowship where he will have a trustee role.
Commenting on David’s appointment, Dominic said: “We are thrilled that David is joining the team at York Minster. In addition to his exceptional operational experience and expertise, David is an inspirational leader with a proven track record in supporting and valuing people and their contribution as individuals and teams. Efficient delivery of all of these services will enable the cathedral’s core purpose: the invitation to come to York Minster to discover God’s love as it has been revealed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
David said: “I am hugely delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed to this amazing role. I am really looking forward to the challenge of learning about the people, the place and the sheer complexity of this fascinating cathedral, the Mother Church of the Northern Province of the Church of England. I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with the great team of people at York Minster.”
David Colthup will be joining York Minster at an exciting moment of change. The ongoing development and implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan offers significant opportunities to create a sustainable and financially viable future for the cathedral and its precinct. He will also be in post in time to support the final stages of complex governance changes coming into effect with the new Cathedral Measure next year.
Biographical details – David Colthup
David Colthup commissioned into the Green Howards in 1989 and over the following 33 years served in various locations around Great Britain and in Kuwait, Iraq, Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Belize and Afghanistan. His experience covers a wide range of roles and extends from working at the lowest levels in the Army all the way to the Ministry of Defence and as an advisor and mentor in Afghanistan. In the last decade he has gained significant experience of recruiting new talent for the Army and the management and delivery of all types of military training. He retains a close personal interest in both the Green Howards, as the Representative Colonel and a Trustee, and the Yorkshire Regiment of which he is Deputy Colonel of the Regiment and a Trustee. David has been married to Jane for almost 30 years and they have three children in their twenties who between them work in the Army, the City and Parliament.
Former York Minster chorister Naomi wins BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest 2022
York Minster today celebrated the outstanding achievement of former chorister Naomi Simon who was yesterday announced as the winner of the BBC’s Young Chorister of the Year Contest.
Sixteen year-old Naomi, a chorister at York Minster from 2016 until 2020 and now a student and chorister at Rugby School, took the title in the contest final which was televised on BBC Two yesterday (Sunday 11 December). Samuel Brophy, 15, a former chorister from 2018 until 2020, also reached the final stage of the contest.
Naomi won through with a performance of the Christmas song ‘Mary, Did You Know’ composed by Lowry and Greene.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “There are no words to describe the absolute joy and pride of everyone at York Minster this morning. It was thrilling enough to have two former choristers make it to the final. To have Naomi win the title is simply overwhelming.”
“Being a chorister is a very special experience. As well as learning how to sing and perform the most sublime choral music, choristers also learn self-discipline, self-organisation, resilience and patience – skills that will prepare them for life. It is also great fun!”
“We hope Naomi’s achievement will inspire and encourage children who love singing to follow in her footsteps and explore the possibility of becoming a chorister.”
Double whammy for York Minster as former chorister Naomi makes the finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year Contest
Former York Minster chorister Naomi Simon was yesterday (4 December), announced as a finalist in this year’s BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest.
A student and chorister at Rugby School, Naomi, aged 16, will join former York Minster chorister Samuel Brophy – now a student at Bootham School, York – in the finals of the contest which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December at 1.15pm.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have two former choristers performing in this year’s finals. Naomi and Sam are outstanding singers and we are proud that their singing journey began as choristers at York Minster.
“As well as nurturing raw singing talent, being a chorister equips children with a wide range of skills including resilience, self-organisation and self-discipline that will help to shape their learning for the future and prepare them for many life experiences.
“Regardless of the result next weekend, we hope that Naomi and Sam’s achievement will encourage and inspire more children to follow in their footsteps and think about being a chorister. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the finals.”
Joy at York Minster as former Choristers make the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest
Two former York Minster choristers have reached the semi-finals of the prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest 2022.
Samuel Brophy aged 13, a chorister from 2018 until 2022, will perform in the boy’s semi-final this Sunday 27th November. Naomi Simon, aged 16, a chorister from 2016 until 2020, will perform in the girl’s semi-final on Sunday 4th December. Both semi-finals will take place at Gorton Monastery, Manchester and will be broadcast by the BBC. Sam and Naomi hope to make the national finals which will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday 11th December.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “We are delighted to learn that both of our former choristers, Naomi and Sam, have got through to the semi-finals of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year contest this year. The contest is tough and demanding but it is also a wonderful and potentially life-changing experience for these young singers.”
Sam is now a student at Bootham School, York, whilst Naomi is a student and chorister at Rugby School. Canon Vicky said: “There is quite a history of York Minster choristers doing very well in this competition and we are obviously very, very proud of Naomi and Sam’s achievement. Our prayers and best wishes go to both of them for the semi-finals.”