Against the backdrop of blooming flowers and the gentle chime of the cathedral bells, I meet with Aric Prentice to reflect on a quarter of a century of leading music at Lincoln Cathedral. In 2001, aged 29, Aric began his career at the Cathedral and 25 years later, he still enjoys every bit of it.
“I’m originally from Nottingham, but I sang as a chorister at Durham Cathedral from a young age. Since then, I have always had a career in music,” he said. He then joined the cathedral choir in 2001, but just two years later, he was made director of music and master of the choristers. “I think I was quite lucky to get the job at such a young age, and there was no reason to move, really. It completely suits me; I think it is the job I was designed for.” He said.
Daily Life and the Chorister Experience
One of Aric's roles includes leading daily rehearsals and services for the choristers, a role in which he really makes a difference. “Being a chorister is an amazing opportunity. There are lots of transferable skills you get from being a chorister, such as concentration, learning languages and teamwork. If you enjoy singing, then it is an amazing opportunity, and it's a wonderful place to make music,” Aric said. When asked what it's like to be part of the choir, Aric said: “It's very difficult to explain what it's like to people who haven't done it. When you first start, you enjoy the singing and little bits of it, and then it totally grabs you and becomes a major part of your life. We have had many choristers and choral scholars come back over the years and tell us how being part of the choir has changed their way of thinking and helped them to become the person they are today. There really are a lot of skills you gain from being a chorister that you don't realise you are getting at the time.”
“One of my favourite parts of the job is that every day is different. I even drive the minibus to take the choristers to school,” Aric said. This hands-on approach underscores his dedication to the choristers' welfare and development. The daily routine includes morning practice, school runs, afternoon rehearsals, and evening services, each day offering new challenges and joys.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations and Memorable Moments
The Silver Jubilee celebrations took place on Sunday, 21st June, with a newly commissioned piece composed by Phillip Moore. The piece was performed by the full choir, with ex-choristers and an orchestra made up of old friends and colleagues of Aric from over the years. Looking back on his favourite moments, he said: “At the moment I would say Sunday afternoon was my favourite service. Having all the people that I have worked with for many years volunteer to sing in the choir and play in the orchestra means a lot to me. As well as having the newly commissioned piece composed specifically for the occasion. I also love conducting for the annual concerts such as the Messiah and the St John Passion. You can't beat those sorts of occasions, when the cathedral is jam-packed with people enjoying the music.”
Over the years, Aric has led the choir in numerous high-profile events. In 2015, the choir toured America, performing in New York, Boston, and Greenwich Village. More recently, the boy choristers had a starring role in the 2023 Napoleon film, performing alongside Joaquin Phoenix. Such experiences highlight the unique opportunities cathedral choristers receive beyond regular services.
Innovations and Challenges
During Aric’s time at the cathedral, he has made some long-lasting changes, such as providing the girl choristers with equal opportunities as the boys. He has also introduced female choral scholars and, recently, a female lay vicar. These steps reflect a commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sacred music. “One of the biggest challenges we have faced was COVID. The cathedral closed for the first time in 500 years,” Aric said. “Sadly, it meant that we had a lot of choristers who missed out on their last couple of years in the choir due to naturally exceeding the age limit required to be a member. And those who remained in the choir lost the routine of singing regularly. It took at least three years to rebuild the choir until it was back up to the previous standard.”
The pandemic forced the choir to adapt to virtual rehearsals and socially distanced performances, a difficult period for a tradition built on communal singing. Aric’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining morale and eventually restoring the choir’s full capabilities.
Proudest Achievements and Alumni Success
When asked about his proudest moment, Aric struggled to think of just one. “We have had many vocalists who have gone on to do extraordinary things, such as Olivia Warburton, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and has since gone on to be a member of the solo ensemble at Staatsoper Hamburg. There are so many that I am proud of, some of whom haven't pursued careers in music. Someone has gone on to be an airline pilot, and another former chorister now works on submarines,” he added. This diversity of paths underscores the broader educational value of the chorister program.
Looking ahead, Aric remains enthusiastic: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of people who have helped produce music and liturgy in Lincoln Cathedral over the last 25 years, especially to the three organists who have worked alongside me during my time here. Twenty-five years isn't the end; I love what I’m doing, and I want to carry on doing it for maybe another 25 – let's see!”
His legacy includes not only musical excellence but also a nurturing environment that has helped shape the lives of countless young people. Lincoln Cathedral's music programme continues to thrive under his direction, offering a beacon of cultural and spiritual enrichment in the heart of Lincolnshire.
As the afternoon light filters through the stained glass, the sound of the organ and choir fills the vast space—a testament to a quarter-century of dedicated service. Aric Prentice’s story is one of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
Source:MSN News