Cathedral Music Trust leads national campaign for UNESCO recognition of English sacred choral music
A national campaign has been launched to secure UNESCO Living Heritage recognition for English sacred choral music, led by Cathedral Music Trust in partnership with leading organisations across the cathedral and choral music sector.
The initiative seeks to have English sacred choral music included in the UK’s contribution to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory, overseen by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Supporters argue that formal recognition would help safeguard a centuries-old musical tradition that remains active, adaptive and widely practised across the UK today.
Far from being a historical relic, English sacred choral music continues to be renewed through daily and seasonal worship in cathedrals, parish churches and chapels, while also shaping musical education, community singing and the work of composers across genres and generations. Long associated with moments of national significance, the tradition is regarded internationally as one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural exports.
Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Harry Christophers CBE, President of Cathedral Music Trust, said the tradition’s longevity and vitality make it uniquely deserving of recognition.
‘Our sacred choral tradition is second to none. It is the envy of the world and has been going for well over 500 years. The music from those days sounds as modern as anything written today, and UNESCO Living Heritage recognition would help ensure that this music, past and present, continues to be celebrated and sustained for centuries to come.’
Christophers also reflected on the formative role of cathedral music in his own life, describing his experience as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral as foundational to his career.
The global standing of English sacred choral music was echoed by composer and conductor Sir John Rutter, who highlighted its international reputation.
‘When I guest-conduct abroad as a representative of our choral tradition, I am treated like a Brazilian footballer or a Hungarian chess master. Britain is recognised around the world as a crucible of choral excellence.’
Jonathan Mayes, Chief Executive of Cathedral Music Trust, said UNESCO recognition would strengthen long-term support for a living tradition sustained by musicians, educators, clergy, volunteers and communities nationwide.
‘Choral music is one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports. Gaining UNESCO Living Heritage recognition will support the work we and our partners undertake to sustain this tradition, building on its deeply rooted history and its profound contemporary relevance.’
The campaign has been developed following extensive consultation across the sector, with contributing organisations including the Royal College of Organists, Royal School of Church Music, Choir Schools Association, Association of English Cathedrals and the Three Choirs Festival, alongside academic and ecclesiastical partners.
An Expression of Interest has already been submitted, with formal submissions to the UK Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory due by March 2026. The first inventories are expected to be published later in 2026.
Cathedral Music Trust and its partners are encouraging supporters, congregations and communities to engage with the campaign through participation, advocacy and shared musical activity, underlining that the future of this living heritage depends on continued collective stewardship.