Mother and daughter appointed Lay Vicars

Ailsa Cochrane (LCS vocal tutor since 2007) and her daughter, Eilidh Owen (former LCS pupil 2013-2022, chorister and choral scholar) have both been appointed as alto Lay Vicars with Lichfield and Salisbury Cathedrals respectively.

Lay Vicars are professional adult singers who sing the alto, tenor and bass line in cathedral choirs. Throughout history this has been exclusively a male profession, but this began to change in the late twentieth century as cathedrals across the UK started introducing girl choristers either in their own choir or mixed with the boys' choir, as well as women joining as adult professionals.

Ailsa has sung with the Lichfield Cathedral Choir for several years, but is the first full-time female Lay Vicar to be appointed. Eilidh has joined Salisbury Cathedral’s choir also as their first full-time female Lay Vicar.  Many congratulations to both of you!