A fond farewell to David and our departing choir members

It was a day of fond farewells on Sunday 6 July as we celebrated the amazing contribution our retiring Organist, David Dunnett, has made to the musical life of the Cathedral over the last 29 years, and we also said goodbye to choir members moving on to pastures' new.

A special presentation to David and his wife Nicky took place after Sunday’s Sung Eucharist and this was a chance for the whole Cathedral community to say thank you for the incredible musical gift David has given the Cathedral, first as Organist and Master of Music from 1996 to 2007, and since 2007 as Organist.

Later that day, members of the Cathedral’s Ex-Choristers’ Guild joined with the current day Norwich Cathedral Choir to sing Festal Evensong with Choir Valedictions, the traditional service at the end of the choir year where departing members of the choir are thanked for their part in the life and worship of the Cathedral.

Master of Music Ashley Grote said: “It was incredibly moving to welcome so many former members of Norwich Cathedral Choir back to celebrate David's remarkable contribution to our musical and community life over the past three decades.

“The fact that so many people were there on Sunday speaks volumes about the deep affection, admiration and respect that exists not only for David's work but for him personally."

David said: “Nicky and I were overwhelmed by the kind words and appreciation for my time at the cathedral. It was a very special weekend.”

There are still a few more occasions to enjoy David’s music before the end of the summer, including an organ recital at the Cathedral on Wednesday 16 July at 7pm when he will be playing Liszt's mighty organ work Ad nos, ad salutarem undam. Tickets cost £10 and the recital is free for under 18s.