The Online Cathedral: A Case Study Analysis of Egalitarian Music Outreach at Liverpool Cathedral for Mental Health and Spiritual Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Liverpool Cathedral holds a special place in the story of English Cathedral music, notably because of the recent role played by choral music for outreach engagement and community participation. This article undertakes an in-depth case study investigation of Liverpool Cathedral’s music outreach portfolio, which moved online during the Covid-19 pandemic and was delivered variously via pre-recorded podcasts, zoom, and hybrid means, while examining its impact on mental health and spiritual wellbeing amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The primary emphasis is placed on the participation in online music activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the strategies employed for online instruction and performance, and the benefits and challenges of online musicking during the pandemic. By centering on a single religious community, “The Online Cathedral,” this article will first establish the context for the study via consideration of Liverpool Cathedral’s egalitarian ethos through widening access and inclusivity. The subsequent part will present a discussion of the impact of Liverpool Cathedral’s online music outreach program for people’s mental health and spiritual wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores research that investigates the health and wellbeing benefits associated with online singing and virtual choirs during the Covid-19 pandemic, and illuminates the positive impact of Liverpool Cathedral’s online music program on social connectedness, and emotional resilience and healing. It also considers the challenges and limitations of virtual choir participation and briefly offers insights for future research.