Girls make history by joining St Paul's Cathedral Choir after 900 years

In a historic move, two young girls are set to make history as the first female choristers at St Paul's Cathedral in London. Lila, aged 11, and Lois, aged 10, will officially become part of the cathedral choir during Sunday's Choral Evensong service, marking a significant milestone in the cathedral's 900-year history. The girls, who have been training as probationers since September 2023, were seen trying on their surplice, the white gown worn over their black cassocks, during rehearsals on Saturday. The decision to include girls in the choir was announced in May 2022, with plans to ensure equal opportunities for both girl and boy choristers at St Paul's Cathedral. The Dean of St Paul's, Very Revd Dr David Ison, expressed that introducing girls' voices into the choir has been a long-held ambition, creating a new music opportunity for young people and enhancing the choir's contribution to the cathedral's worship life and national heritage. The move signifies a significant step towards gender equality within the cathedral choir. Dame Sarah Mullally, the first female Bishop of London, attended the rehearsal and welcomed the inclusion of girls in the choir, emphasizing the importance of hearing girls' voices in the cathedral's worship services. The girls, Lila and Lois, are now being elevated to full membership in the choir, becoming permanent members who will have an equal role in singing at services and national events. The announcement of girls joining the choir was met with support and plans for fundraising campaigns to ensure equal opportunities for all choristers. The inclusion of Lila and Lois as the first female choristers at St Paul's Cathedral represents a significant moment in the cathedral's history. Their participation in the choir symbolizes progress towards gender equality and diversity within the cathedral's musical traditions. As the girls prepare to take on their new roles, they are poised to contribute their voices to the rich tapestry of music and worship at St Paul's Cathedral, marking a new chapter in the choir's longstanding legacy.