A DREAM came true for Patrick Dunachie, a former Hereford Cathedral School pupil and chorister at Hereford Cathedral, when he was selected to join The Kings Singers, one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles.

Everyone at Hereford Cathedral was delighted to learn recently that Patrick Dunachie, a former chorister, will be joining the world-famous King’s Singers later this year.

"This is wonderful news,’ said Geraint Bowen, director of music at the cathedral. "Being in a group such as the King’s Singers has been something Patrick has wanted to do for some time, so we are all really pleased to see him fulfil his ambition."

Patrick joined the choir at Hereford early in 2002, and soon developed an interest in early music. He sang the highly demanding solo part in the Stabat mater by the fifteenth-century composer John Browne, and particularly enjoyed taking part in the cathedral choir’s performances of J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Passions.

Patrick said, "It was whilst I was a chorister in Hereford Cathedral Choir that I fell in love with early music, and singing in general. I remember on one occasion the choir performing Bach’s St John Passion, with Robin Tyson (who was at that time in the King’s Singers) as the countertenor soloist. His singing was amazing, and that’s when the seed was planted.

"There’s no doubt this has been my dream job for many years, and it’s thanks to the fantastic training from an early age – by Geraint Bowen, Lucy Bowen and Peter Dyke – that this has become a reality. I can’t wait to get started!"

Patrick will take up his new job in September in succession to David Hurley, who is stepping down after a remarkable 26 years in the group.

Hereford Cathedral School’s headmaster, Paul Smith was delighted with the news. “Patrick is a one of many talented former and current pupils. Patrick and his older brother, Liam, who recently featured as the pianist in the Christmas Day chart topping hit A Bridge Over You, both showed exceptional musical ability from a young age."