The ancient Priory was founded in 1113 A.D. by Walter de Gaunt and has a long musical tradition. In 1450 a Choir School was established for twelve quarasters and a maister to teach them both grammar and song. Today the Priory's musical tradition is continued by a choir of 20 boys and 16 adults under the direction of the present Organist and Master of the Choristers, Michael Smith (MA Oxon).
The choir sings for the morning and evening services each Sunday and provides music at a number of special services throughout the year. The choir's repertoire is extensive and includes music from the 16th century to the present day. The Priory Choir is renowned for its high standards of performance.
In recent years, two recordings have been made ("Cantate Domino, Music for Matins and Evensong", recorded in 1995; "On Christmas Night", a recording of Christmas Carols made in January 1999) and the choir has broadcast live on Radio 4. In August 1999 the choir visited Bad Salzuflen and Lemgo in northern Germany on a concert tour.