International Women's Day 2026: The Girl Choristers of Truro Cathedral Choir
This International Women’s Day, we caught up with the brilliant girl choristers of Truro Cathedral Choir to discover their favourite things about being part of the choir, the special memories they’ll treasure for years to come, and the quotes that inspire them. Read on to learn more about Lydia, Jasmine, Lilla, Tilly, Harriet, Honey, Ella and Molly.
We began by asking the girls how long they’ve each been part of the choir. For Lydia, it’s been four years; Jasmine is in her first year; and Lilla is now in her third.
Next, we explored what they enjoy most about being choristers. For Tilly, it’s all about the picnics they share before Evensong on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Harriet loves singing during the big Christmas services, while Honey highlighted the annual choir tour as her favourite moment each year. Lilla enjoys recording their CDs and listening back to the choir’s broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. For Celia, the best part is singing fantastic music with such a wonderful group of people.
When asked about a memory she’ll hold on to for years to come, Celia recalled singing the Howells during a huge thunderstorm in Oxford - a dramatic and unforgettable moment.
We then spoke to Tilly and Ella about what being part of Truro Cathedral Choir means to them. Tilly spoke warmly about being part of a truly lovely community, while Ella loves being able to share music with others.
Finally, we invited the group to share their favourite quotes. Molly lives by: “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting your whole life.” Jasmine chose: “Curiosity killed the cat, but the knowledge it gained revived it.” And for Scarlett, it’s the iconic words of Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
A big thank you to the girl choristers of Truro Cathedral Choir. Your talent, dedication and passion doesn't go unnoticed and is a real blessing to the cathedral community and beyond!
Truro Cathedral Choir has an unbroken tradition dating back to the 1880s, when services took place in a wooden shed while John Loughborough Pearson’s cathedral was under construction. 2015 marked a significant milestone when girls aged 13-18 years were welcomed into the chorister programme for the first time, enriching the cathedral’s musical life and laying the foundation for greater inclusivity. Building on that legacy, and as a result of being in the position to facilitate additional places, the cathedral was pleased to open its chorister programme to include girls ages 8–13 too in September 2025.
Being a girl chorister in the Truro Cathedral Choir is very rewarding. Did you know our girl choristers were part of the choir that sang at the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 6th of May 2023 making history (together with the choirs of Westminster Abbey, HM Chapel Royal Choir, St James’ Palace and Methodist College, Belfast) as the first female choristers to sing at a coronation. If you have a love for music and singing, and are you interested in becoming a cathedral chorister, check out our website for more information: Cathedral Choristers
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. #GiveToGain #IWD2026