A BRAND new anthem was heard at Salisbury Cathedral that was premiered by the Girls’ Choir and the Junior Choir.

‘Teach Me, O Lord’ by Simon Lole, was first heard yesterday (June 5) at the Evensong service.

This special piece comes after both the Youth and Junior Choirs were awarded a grant by the Cathedral Music Trust as part of their Cathedral Music Support Programme to raise the profile of the choirs and increase the number of children singing in the choir.

This grant allowed the choirs to buy new sheet music as well as fund the commission for the Junior Choir.

Composer Simon Lole, who was former director of music of Salisbury Cathedral from 1997 to 2005, is well known as a choral director, organist, composer, arranger and broadcaster, having travelled the world as a choral specialist and workshop leader.

The words for this piece are taken from psalm 119, verse 33, and were chosen as they might be more meaningful to a younger generation.

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The cathedral said the Junior Choir excitedly rehearsed the anthem in preparation for the service.

Simon Lole, said: “I have tried to keep it nice and tuneful – something that is approachable, but with a few challenges that I know choristers love!

“I have added a nice bright and rhythmic ‘Alleluia’ section at the end which will hopefully leave the young singers smiling.

“It has also been lovely to have had it published in time for the first performance.”

The cathedral Junior Choir is open to children aged seven to 13, and rehearsals take place in the cathedral on Saturdays between 11am and 12pm during term-time.

No auditioning is required, and the choir is free to join.

The choir is led by Sarah Budd, and the cathedral’s organists act as rehearsal pianists.

The Junior Choir is an integral part of the musical life of the cathedral and has a particularly special role in leading the music at family services on Christmas Eve and at other special cathedral events throughout the year.

For more information and to join the choir, contact Abigail Bray, email scjc@salcath.co.uk, or phone 07929769311.