A NUMBER of CEOs and business leaders from across Cornwall have taken a peep behind the scenes to find out what it takes a world-class choir.

Invited by the Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Edward Bolitho, 27 Cornish business leaders came from a wide range of sectors, from stockbroking to estate agency, hospitality to construction, united in their curiosity to discover what it takes to train the 34 choristers in Truro Cathedral’s choir.

The event was the first of its kind, aimed not only at winning over advocates in the business world but also inviting crucial financial support for the intensive five-year training program provided to each of the 34 choristers.

Falmouth Packet: Behind the scenes with the choir. Picture Hugh Hastings.Behind the scenes with the choir. Picture Hugh Hastings.

The tour began with a ‘fly on the wall’ experience, watching the choristers rehearse in their private space, the atmospheric vaulted crypt, below the cathedral.

Guests witnessed firsthand the precision, focus, and teamwork, which characterises the everyday routine of the children, enabling them to sing over 250 pieces every year, performing daily with the 12 professional adult singers of the choir.

Falmouth Packet: Business leaders singing with Truro Cathedral Choristers - behind the scenes experience. Picture: Hugh HastingsBusiness leaders singing with Truro Cathedral Choristers - behind the scenes experience. Picture: Hugh Hastings

The leaders were impressed to learn of the five-year commitment made by each child and their family. With boys serving aged 8-13 and girls 13-18, chorister duties add an additional 12 hours to their ordinary school week - the equivalent of an extra two days of learning each week.

READ NEXT:

Kim Conchie, Deputy Lieutenant and Chief Executive of Cornwall’s Chamber of Commerce, said: "What more inspiring way to ‘raise your teams’ and your clients’ game?

"I wish I’d brought all my colleagues.

"That wouldn’t have been time out of the office, it would have been very productive time and their input tomorrow morning would have been uplifted by this."

The Lord-Lieutenant, Edward Bolitho, said: "Truro Cathedral Choir is a ‘rich and rare’ part of Cornwall’s culture.

Falmouth Packet: Andy Snapes, Ward Williams Associates and other business leaders in Truro Cathedral's Victoria Tower watching choristers below. Picture: Hugh HastingsAndy Snapes, Ward Williams Associates and other business leaders in Truro Cathedral's Victoria Tower watching choristers below. Picture: Hugh Hastings

"I hope that the Cornish business community will be happy to play a key role in protecting the pathway to excellence that the chorister-ship offers some of our most musically gifted children."

Director of Music, Christopher Gray said: "Nurturing this excellence for Cornwall is costly, so we are encouraged to feel such support from the local business community.

"It gives us great confidence in inviting those who care about the heritage and future of the chorister program to help us secure it for generations of Cornish children to come."

Falmouth Packet: Jessie Hamshar chats with head choristers Josh Lawrene and Woody. Picture: Hugh HastingsJessie Hamshar chats with head choristers Josh Lawrene and Woody. Picture: Hugh Hastings

Charity Campaigner Esmé Page, said: "With innovative projects like Sing2G7 and their charitable work, the choristers have emerged as valuable young leaders in their own right - raising aspirations locally and representing Cornwall in the wider world.

"There may be decades between CEOs and choristers, but what we saw today was excellence recognising excellence.

"It’s a dream come true to bring these two worlds together and I’m excited to see what blossoms from the connections made today."