DURHAM Cathedral’s girl and boy choristers today (Wednesday, November 23) welcomed pupils from local primary schools to join them in a celebration of song.

Around 250 pupils from eight primary schools across the Sunderland area joined the famous Choristers of Durham Cathedral to take part in the celebration, which represents the culmination of a term’s work with Durham Cathedral’s acclaimed Music Outreach programme.

Each school term, the Cathedral Choristers and James Randle, Director of Music Outreach at Durham Cathedral, visit and work with primary schools from across the region to train them and their teachers in 45 minutes of song.

Over the last six weeks, the children have memorised several songs, many of them with harmony arrangements.

Mr Randle said: “We were delighted to welcome children from schools across Sunderland to Durham Cathedral for the termly Music Outreach Celebration.

“Children from the eight partnership schools have worked hard to learn a variety of songs to perform to their family and friends, and we look forward to celebrating their achievement in the Cathedral.”

The programme for the afternoon includes How can I keep from singing? By Robert Lowry arr. John Scott, Mid Winter by Bob Chilcott and Lift Thine Eyes by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.

Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, Councillor Louise Farthing said: “The Outreach Programme in Sunderland provides our primary school children with a fantastic opportunity to develop their musical talents still further beyond the classroom and normal lesson.

“Ultimately it also provides the chance to perform in front of family and friends at Durham Cathedral which is always a great occasion.”