St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, is to launch a new choir for girls aged 11-17.

Choristers will receive free singing and music theory tuition as well as a generous scholarship; no previous experience of choral singing is necessary and applications are invited from girls from any school or background.

The choristers will sing alongside the professional singers of the St Margaret’s Consort at the evening service in St Margaret’s on Sundays during term-time, as well as at some Wednesday Evensong services in Westminster Abbey. There will be occasional additional services, such as at Christmas and Easter, and over time the choristers will take on other projects including concerts, tours and recordings.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said: ‘The worship of the Abbey is our reason for being here, and music has always been central within it. We are delighted to be taking another step in making that worship more inclusive. I look forward to hearing girls’ voices in St Margaret’s and in the Abbey.’

Greg Morris, director of music at St Margaret’s, said: ‘The choir will provide a fantastic opportunity for girls to enjoy singing some great choral music alongside professional musicians, receiving an excellent musical education in the process, and I’m sure the St Margaret’s choristers will lead the way in an exciting new chapter for the music of St Margaret’s.’

Find out more: westminster-abbey.org