Washington National Cathedral's Girl Choristers

Performing on Wednesday, June 15, 7:30 p.m

History of the Washington National Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls:
The Washington National Cathedral of Men and Girls was instituted in the fall of 1997, after several years of careful preparation by the cathedral and its sister institution, the National Cathedral School for Girls. The 22-24 choristers attend the school on scholarship and are drawn from the seventh through twelfth grades. In the brief time of their existence, the Girl Choristers have already made their mark on the worship lives of both the cathedral and the school and, as of the 2000-2001 school term, are singing as many weekday and Sunday services as the Boy Choristers.

Along with the Choir of Men and Boys, the Men and Girls sing for Cathedral services, radio and television broadcasts, and concerts. Each year, the choir participates in special services of national ecumenical importance, such as the Celebration of Full Communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, or the National Prayer Service on September 14, 2001.

Under the direction of founding choirmaster Bruce Neswick, the Girl Choristers appeared on CBS This Morning; recorded a CD with Church Publishing Incorporated of material from the Episcopal Church's new supplemental hymnal Wonder, Love and Praise; recorded a CD on the Prom Organo label featuring music from the liturigal cycle of Washington Cathedral and music composed for it; and toured England during the summer of 1999.

Michael McCarthy, Choirmaster
Michael McCarthy was appointed Cathedral director of music in the summer of 2003. He was the founder and director of the London [England] Oratory School Schola. Founded in 1996, the Schola quickly became one of London’s premier boys concert choirs, performing regularly on the London concert platform and in the studio for both the recording and film industries. Mr. McCarthy directed the Schola in recordings for films including Sleepy Hollow, The Lord of the Rings cycle, and Harry Potter.

A graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Mr. McCarthy has worked with numerous professional choirs including The Sixteen, The Gabrieli Consort, and the Monteverdi Choir under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner. In January 2002 he became the choir manager for The Monteverdi Choir. His experience directing young choristers includes duties as lay clerk at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and Saint Alban’s Abbey in Hertfordshire. He also served as master of music at Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Ealing, prior to beginning the London Oratory School.

As director of music Mr. McCarthy oversees the Cathedral’s expanding music program, as well as serves as principal choirmaster.