The Music Service is based at Clifton Cathedral, Bristol UK.
We provide a wide range of music for liturgies at the Cathedral and also serve the Clifton Diocese.
Music
at Clifton Cathedral
Our dedicated music team at Clifton Cathedral
Richard Jeffrey-Gray
Director of Music
Richard co-ordinates and directs liturgies, choirs and people, additionally overseeing the Music Service in terms of liturgy and repertoire.
Stephen Bryant
Cathedral Organist
Stephen is principally concerned with the care and playing of the Cathedral Organ.
Harry Kirby
Acting Choral Director
Harry is principally concerned with the development and running of the Cathedral Choir for Solemn Masses and Cathedral liturgies.
Music at Clifton Cathedral
Clifton Diocese
The Clifton Diocese is also served from the Cathedral. Since we are a Music Service, we make ourselves available to help with anyone in the Diocese involved with, or who has concerns about music, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We advise on situations, repertoire, resources, organs and sound systems through the year. Our Director of Music recently commissioned a sound system as part of an RIBA award winning project and was acoustic advisor on several nationally award winning others.
Diocesan Cantors/Organists
The Music Service is happy to arrange for diocesan musicians to lead worship or training days.
Celebrations included in this might be Mass for special or important occasions, confirmations, dedications, baptisms and so on. We can also supply musicians for weddings and funerals. Carol services can also be covered.
The Music Service is funded by the Cathedral and Diocese, but we have to make a charge for these services since the funding only extends as far as Diocesan liturgies. The charges go towards paying the professional musicians we use as well as the costs of administration.
Music for your wedding
There is nothing better than music to create the right atmosphere at your wedding, and deciding which music should be played is one of the most important decisions you need to make when planning your big day.
Before selecting the music for your wedding you should contact Richard Jeffrey-Gray, the Director of Music who will be happy to advise you, email music@cliftondiocese.com. Richard is a musician with over 30 years’ experience of playing for weddings, if he is unavailable to play for your wedding another professional organist will be booked on your behalf – there is no change in the fee if this is the case.
With the help of our music staff and the attached suggestions we endeavour to make choosing the music for your wedding an enjoyable and rewarding part of your preparations. If you are having a Nuptial Mass there are a few other aspects to consider which we will go through you with when we meet.
Funeral music
A Roman Catholic funeral, like all funerals, is a time of sadness and mourning. However, in the Catholic faith there is joy in the belief that a funeral represents the passing of the beloved into eternal life. It is our goal to make this process as easy as possible.
A funeral should reflect the life of the one that has passed before us and should uplift those who are left behind.
Changes in the Cathedral Music Team
David Bednall has stepped down as Choral Director of Clifton Cathedral Choir. We thank David for his dedicated service, commitment, and contribution to the musical life of the Cathedral and we wish him well. The post of Choral Director will be advertised nationally this autumn, with an appointment expected in January 2027.
In the interim Harry Kirby has been appointed Acting Choral Director and will direct the Cathedral Choir from Sunday 13th September. Harry is no stranger to Clifton: he joined the choir as a Choral Scholar in 2018 and was until recently a Choral Exhibitioner. Harry’s passion for conducting began under Adrian Partington at Gloucester Cathedral. After moving to Bristol for university, he conducted the University Chamber Choir and then the Bristol University Madrigal Ensemble, leading tours to Cornwall and Slovenia and performing at St George’s, Bristol. Since 2022 he has been Assistant Conductor of Nailsea Choral Society, and in 2024 he founded Acopla, a Bristol-based chamber choir.
Richard Jeffrey-Gray, Director of Music, will be working closely alongside Harry through the first weeks. Anyone interested in singing with the Cathedral Choir, or in a Choral Scholarship, is welcome to contact Harry at choir@cliftonms.com or Richard at music@cliftondiocese.com.
Welcome to our new Choral Scholars and Exhibitioners
The choir is delighted to welcome our Choral exhibitioners and scholars who now make up a full complement of singers. Some have been with us for a while, whilst others are newer to the Cathedral. It is wonderful to have these amazing young singers in our ranks. Not forgetting our dedicated volunteers, weekly and at the principal seasons enhancing our liturgy week by week.
Welcome to our latest Choral Scholars
The choir is delighted to welcome two new choral scholars who sang their first Mass with us recently. Millie (soprano) is a second year music student at the University of Bristol and Jack (bass) is completing his A levels in Chepstow. More information on choral scholarships can be found here www.cliftonms.com/scholarships
Clifton Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is on the hunt for volunteers and would particularly welcome Sopranos and Altos. The choir rehearses on Friday evenings and sings the Sunday 11.15am Mass and other special services. Entry is via audition.
Please email Harry Kirby, Acting Choral Director, at choir@cliftonms.com if you would like more details, or come and speak to him after the Solemn Mass.