Suffolk chorister heads back to the region to showcase his singing talents
The young choristers from Canterbury Cathedral with James Hodginkinson first on the left in the second row Picture: CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL - Credit: Archant
11-year-old James Hodgkinson from Woolverstone is a boy chorister at the world famous Canterbury Cathedral in Kent.
This month James and his colleagues in the choir will be visiting his village to give a performance at St Michael’s Church.
James has been a member of the choir since he was just eight years old.
James spends most of his time in Canterbury as the boys are expected to perform six days a week, which continues a 1,400 year old tradition at the cathedral.
In total the choristers spend 22 hours a week either practising or performing, leaving James very little time to come home and visit his family.
Something which he normally does during school holidays.
When he was nine-year’s-old Hanes and the choir travelled to Rome where they performed in front of Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at an hour long concert in the Basilica of St Ignazio di Loyola in the Campo Marzio.
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This month’s event has been organised with the help of James’ father, Chris who still lives in the village and is excited about the visit: “We are really pleased that the choristers are coming to sing in his home town.”
All the money which is raised at the event will be split between St Michael’s and the Choir House Choristers Social Fund.
The boys have recently returned to the UK after taking part in an extensive tour around America.
17 of the choristers took part in the 12,000 mile trip across the USA along with lay clerks from the cathedral.
While there hosted seven concerts while in the US and also performed at two Eucharists.
During the tour the boys visited some of the country’s biggest cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Charleston., Greenville, Richmond, Summit and Birmingham in Alabama.
The boys will be performing in Woolverstone on June 27 and will be directed by Master of Choristers at the cathedral, Dr David Flood.
Tickets for the event cost £12.50 and include a glass of fizz and some summer nibbles.
They can be purchased by getting in contact with Chris Hodgkinson directly on 07764285928 or by emailing him on jchodgkinson@gmail.com.
