- Those targeted by Andy Trenier’s temper said to have been left trembling
- Winchester Cathedral now four short of its usual tally of 12 adult male lay clerks
One of the Church of England’s best-loved cathedrals is at the centre of a bullying row over its world-famous choir, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Winchester Cathedral is reeling from the controversy that has seen key figures leave, with Canon Precentor Andy Trenier accused of a dictatorial management style.
He is said to have berated the Director of Music Dr Andrew Lumsden in front of the boy choristers, and told singers they could leave if they didn’t agree with his approach. Those targeted by his volcanic temper are said to have been left trembling.
Canon Trenier’s relationship with the eight adult male lay clerks is said to have irretrievably broken down amid allegations that he has been coercive, manipulative and belittling. They are four short of their usual tally of 12 because, his critics say, working at Winchester is now seen as a poison chalice.
Winchester Cathedral is reeling from the controversy that has seen key figures leave, with Canon Precentor Andy Trenier (pictured, in 2022) accused of a dictatorial management style
Canon Trenier’s relationship with the eight adult male lay clerks is said to have irretrievably broken down amid allegations that he has been coercive, manipulative and belittling. They are four short of their usual tally of 12 because, his critics say, working at Winchester (pictured) is now seen as a poison chalice
Only last week, the choir won an Ivor Novello award for the soundtrack to the video game Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, having already received a Grammy for it in February. Hollywood composer Stephen Barton – who commissioned the choristers to perform on the winning soundtrack – held crisis talks with the Dean of Winchester Catherine Ogle last week.
Mr Barton, 41 – himself a former chorister there – told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The apparent problem is astonishingly weak management and bureaucracy, and a member of the clergy treating a national musical treasure like a personal fiefdom. Anybody in management who acquiesced to this must now surely resign, if they have a shred of conscience.’
In a letter to Mr Barton after their meeting, the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle acknowledged there was a problem, writing: ‘We are seeking to become more happy and healthy.’
Winchester Cathedral attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year, and is the final resting place of Jane Austen. Its choir is believed to have been formed in the 14th century, with Henry VIII enshrining it in statute in 1544.
Dr Lumsden, one of the country’s finest choral experts, is set to leave in July after 22 years, and the 61-year-old is believed to have been forced out. He signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), despite the Archbishop of Canterbury telling Times Radio in 2021 that NDAs were ‘unacceptable’.
Winchester Cathedral attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year, and is the final resting place of Jane Austen. Its choir is believed to have been formed in the 14th century, with Henry VIII enshrining it in statute in 1544 (pictured: choristers at the cathedral)
Assistant Director of Music George Castle was made redundant in October 2021 and a subsequent complaint found that Canon Trenier’s behaviour towards Mr Castle and other musicians had, at times, been ‘inappropriate’.
Winchester Cathedral said: ‘For the wellbeing and protection of all our clergy and staff, it is Cathedral policy not to comment on confidential HR matters.’
Canon Trenier refused to comment.