Performances of choral pieces have been pleasing audiences in churches across the Diocese, as part of a 
German choir’s visit to the North.
The Augustinian Church Choir, from Erfut in Germany, have recently completed a tour to mark 21 years of the partnership between the Diocese and the Erfurt Kirchenkreis.
The choir sang at churches across the region, holding concerts at Wakefield Cathedral, Bradford Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral, Leeds Minster, Howden Minster and St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley.
They also sang at regular services in the some of the churches, including during eucharist services at Halifax Minster and Bradford Cathedral.
They had chance to explore the sights of the North, with visits to local landmarks such as Salt’s Mill in Saltaire, the Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Ilkley Moor, the famous Oldroyd’s forced rhubarb farm and the cities of Ripon and York. 
Rosalind Beeson, Chair of the Leeds/Erfurt Diocesan Link sub-group, said: “It was wonderful to welcome our partners from the Erfurt Kirchenkreis, as the 30th anniversary of the link between Bradford, now Leeds, and Erfurt approaches, and particularly as we face whatever challenges Brexit may bring.
“We remain strongly bound to our partners through our common faith and friendship through music making and sharing our landscapes, history and culture.
“The Augustinerkantorei, led by their dynamic Director of Music Dietrich Ehrenwerth, sang superbly at church services and concerts in cathedrals and minsters across Yorkshire, attracting large appreciative audiences and a healthy financial outcome for the link.
“Many bonds were strengthened and new ones formed, and the tour has generated interest in several further exchanges between clergy, lay groups, choirs and musicians over the next few years. 
“As Bishop Nick said at Leeds Minster during the tour, our Leeds-Erfurt link is important and we hope it will be strengthened and continue in the years to come.”