Whether you are a fresher or continuing student, undergraduate or postgraduate, at Christ's or another college, we would love to hear from you! Express your interest by emailing choir.admin@christs.cam.ac.uk
Christ's College Chapel Choir combines an excellent reputation and very high musical standard with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Choir's manageable weekly schedule allows members to get involved in a range of other university activities. There are no restrictions on what subject members of the choir may be studying.
Members of the Choir are selected by audition with the Director of Music. Commitment, potential and enthusiasm are essential, and whilst previous experience of choral singing is common, we welcome applications from singers who haven't had the opportunity to sing in a regular choir. To apply for an audition or find more information about the process, email choir.admin@christs.cam.ac.uk.
The standard weekly schedule for choir members during Full Term runs as follows:
Wednesdays:
6.00–7.30pm Rehearsal
Thursdays:
5.30pm Rehearsal
6.30pm Evensong
7.30pm Formal dinner
Sundays:
4.15pm Rehearsal
6.00pm Evensong
7.30pm Drinks and Formal dinner
The choir also sings twice-termly compline in small groups of around ten singers, as well as in various special services throughout the year, such as Carol Services around at the end of Michaelmas term, and the Ascension Day Service atop the Great Gate in Easter Term.
Singers in the Choir receive vocal training with leading UK singers, paid for by the Choir. Current members study with Ghislaine Morgan, Richard Edgar Wilson and Miriam Allan. All members receive four hours of vocal tuition in Michaelmas term, four hours in Lent term, and two hours in Easter term.
The Choir is invited to attend Formal Hall for free after services on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as join additional feasts, drinks receptions, and other events throughout the year.
Every year, the Choir undertakes an extensive international tour of up to three weeks. Recent destinations include Sweden, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Similarly, the Choir regularly performs in concerts around the UK, including a regular series of Christmas concerts in London and English Heritage properties.
The Choir aims to do a recording every year, and has a rich recording history spanning over 50 years. More recently, the Choir has begun making video recordings of its singing.
A £100 annual honorarium is awarded to Choral Exhibitioners. Most choir members hold Choral Exhibitions, some awarded as a result of the Choral Trials, some in October, and others during the course of the academic year. There are no specific limits on the number of awards made at the Trials, and in the past Christ's has always had sufficient space for all candidates of appropriate vocal and musical ability.
The weekly schedule of rehearsals and services enables individuals to participate in other activities, including College and University sports teams, stage events and any number of musicals and operas put on during term time.
The College normally has two or three Organ Scholars at any one time. They assist the Director of Music in the running of the Choir, accompany services and concerts, and, on occasions, conduct the choir. Further information can be found on the Organ Scholars pages.