First woman in 1,000 years becomes a full member of St Paul’s Cathedral Choir

The first woman in St Paul’s Cathedral’s 1,000 year history to become a full member of their choir.

St Paul’s Cathedral have appointed Carris Jones as the new Alto Vicar Choral. She will join 26 boy treble Choristers, eight probationers and 12 Vicars Choral – the professional adult singers who take the alto, tenor and bass parts.

Jones has a wide-ranging career, including solo roles in oratorio and opera, as well as performing with groups such as Stile Antico, the Gabrieli Consort and Tenebrae.

She is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music, and a member of the Choir of the London Oratory.

She is expecting her second child at the beginning of May and will start at St Paul’s on 1 September 2017.

Speaking about the appointment, Jones said, “I am thrilled to be appointed as a Vicar Choral at St Paul’s Cathedral, and feel incredibly lucky to join a group of such friendly and talented musicians.”

“I have long admired the cathedral as an organisation that manages to combine a venerable historical tradition with a vital place in 21^st century London life, and am honoured to become a part of it.”

Andrew Carwood, St Paul’s Director of Music, said, “We are delighted that Carris is joining the Choir.”

“The final round of auditions was of a very high standard and her appointment was a unanimous decision.”