Girls make history at Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral

Oct 13 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Girls sing at the Catholic Cathedral for the first time

HISTORY was made at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday as female choir members sang during a service for the first time.

The 24-strong Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Girls’ Choir made its debut appearance as part of a Mass for St Edward’s College, which all members attend for tutoring and rehearsal.

During the service, the girls’ choir combined forces with the Cathedral choir, made up of boys and men, and the St Edward’s College Chamber Choir, accompanied by the cathedral organist and School Brass Ensemble.

Philip Arkwright, director of the girls’ choir, said yesterday: “It is great for us and it is the first time girls have been allowed to sing.

“Fifty years ago, it was the done thing to have boys-only choirs and finally this has changed. It is a momentous day.

“We are very busy rehearsing at the moment; this week has been hectic, but we want to be able to increase the repertoire.

“We are aiming to perform three times a week eventually and are currently auditioning for next year’s intake. It is a bit like X Factor at the moment.

“Girls have been coming from schools all over Liverpool to get into the choir.”