Kindly hosted by Christ Church Cathedral School, the conference explored this year’s theme of Connect, Support, Celebrate, offering delegates the opportunity to engage with the shared mission and future of choir schools.
The programme featured an outstanding group of keynote speakers, including Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, Bishop Richard Chartres, Andrew Gant and Howard Goodall. Their contributions offered insight, encouragement and inspiration while keeping the focus firmly on the importance of music, education, worship and young people at the heart of our work.
Conference sessions addressed a wide range of important topics, including partnerships, the current choir school landscape, shared tradition and the different operational models across the sector. Discussions were thoughtful, practical and forward-looking; reflecting both the opportunities and challenges facing choir schools today.
The conference opened in spectacular fashion with a live BBC Radio 3 broadcast of Choral Evensong and concluded with joyful May Morning celebrations in Oxford – a fitting end to a conference that combined musical excellence with a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Delegates spoke warmly about the atmosphere and spirit of the gathering. One attendee reflected:
“I’ve been to many conferences of various heads’ associations — but there was a tangible sense of purpose and mission with the CSA which I’ve not experienced before. It was utterly refreshing. And everyone but everyone was lovely and welcoming.”
Another commented on Howard Goodall’s contribution:
“Howard Goodall, I thought, spoke very well and offered a balanced assessment of the current situation, whilst focusing ultimately on our young people.”
Above all, the conference demonstrated the strength, generosity and commitment of the CSA community. Thank you to all who contributed, attended and helped make the event such a success – we are already looking forward to next year’s conference which will be hosted by St Peter’s School in York.
