Alexander Armstrong to be Ambassador for Cathedral Music Trust
The Cathedral Music Trust has announced the appointment of Alexander Armstrong as its Ambassador. In this role, Alexander will promote the Trust’s work, sustaining and developing this invaluable part of the country’s cultural heritage, and nurturing the next diverse generation of fine cathedral musicians.
A presenter, comedian and actor, Alexander has a strong background in cathedral music. He counts his time as a chorister at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh as one of the most important and formative experiences of his life and went on to sing as a choral scholar at Trinity College, Cambridge. Still performing and recording as a bass-baritone, Alexander currently presents Classic FM’s flagship mid-morning radio programme as well as the popular television quiz show ‘Pointless’ on BBC1.
Alexander Armstrong said: “I owe my entire career to my experience as a chorister. It was where I learnt to perform, where I learnt to use the full range of my voice; where I learnt to listen, where I learnt to write comedy – but most importantly it was where I learnt the wonderful truth that something exceptional, something as beautiful as anything anywhere, can be created just by you and your friends. I am therefore honoured to have joined the Cathedral Music Trust as their Ambassador and look forward to supporting them in their work to ensure that this extraordinary musical heritage evolves and thrives to benefit future generations.”
Back in 1982 ……
Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher at St Mary’s Music School adds: “Alexander has always been a strong advocate for the power of a chorister education and a staunch supporter of both St Mary’s Music School and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral here in Edinburgh. We are delighted that he is taking up this new role with the Cathedral Music Trust; we know his appointment will help to promote and support Cathedral music across the UK.”
‘… a wonderful advocate for our cause’
The Cathedral Music Trust is a voice for cathedral music, campaigning on behalf of cathedral music and musicians, supporting choirs and choristers in need, and encouraging the pursuit of excellence in choral and organ music. It gives generous grants to cathedrals, church and collegiate chapel choirs in the UK and overseas, including over £3 million in the past six years alone.
Peter Allwood, Chair of the Cathedral Music Trust said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alexander as our Ambassador and look forward to working with him. Cathedral music is a national treasure that should be celebrated with pride by us all. Alexander’s infectious enthusiasm for cathedral music, and his extensive experience as a singer, make him a wonderful advocate for our cause.”