The seating area where cathedral choir members sit and stand as they take part in a service is called, sometimes helpfully, other times unfortunately, the "choir". The confusion arises when the listener doesn't know whether the word applies to people or the place. It would be better if the term chancel was always used to described the place rather than interchangeably with "choir". Winchester Cathedral choir (above) is quite typical of English cathedral choirs with tall wooden canopies rising above and behind facing rows of benches and individual seating.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon D5300
