St Albans Cathedral has appointed its very first female lay clerk, Karolina Csáthy.
The role of a lay clerk is a professional singer who sings on the back row of the choir, often singing solos or taking lead roles.
This historic position has traditionally been reserved for men, however it has evolved in recent years. St Paul’s Cathedral employed its first female lay clerk in 2017, and St Albans Cathedral has now followed suit.
Karolina spoke to STALBANSnews about this landmark moment in the city’s history.
She said: “It feels good! I suppose for me it has been a bit of an event and a milestone for the cathedral being the first female lay clerk.
“Hopefully for the next female, it won’t be as remarkable – as it should be!”
It was while reading music at Trinity College, Cambridge, that Karolina was introduced to the world of choral singing.
She said: “I heard the choir at Cambridge and thought, I need this in my life – I was blown away.”
William Fox, the director of music at St Albans Cathedral, told STALBANSnews: “It is wonderful to be welcoming Karolina to sing here at St Albans Cathedral.
“The history of music at the Abbey stretches back over 1,000 years, but music here is a living tradition, brought to life every day by our 60 choristers, 14 lay clerks, organists, young children’s choir, volunteer singers, music leaders and orchestral players.
“The arrival of Karolina is a historic step as we look towards the future with hope and excitement.”
Karolina sang at her first service in her new role on Sunday, January 12. She hopes that her presence in the choir will serve as an inspiration to young female singers.
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