The Cambridge University Schola Cantorum: A New Choir For Cambridge University
Students from Cambridge University are proud to present the unprecedented foundation of The Cambridge University Schola Cantorum. While The University Of Cambridge’s individual college choirs have been widely celebrated throughout the world, there has never before been a liturgical choir under the University’s banner, nor a University choir with national and international prestige: A cross-college ensemble of the Cambridge’s most talented singers and an elite group of vocalists from the University – the equivalent of a sporting blue for music in the choral tradition.
Next event – Carol Concert on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at St Mary le Bow, Cheapside, London. For more information click here.
The Cambridge University Schola Cantorum will be run by award-winning cellist and conductor Graham Walker, the Director Of Music at Emmanuel College and former Director of the recently disbanded (yet very popular) St John’s Voices Choir. Walker combines an active career directing choirs and orchestras, with solo and chamber cello playing around the world, recently enjoying much success with ‘Classico Latino’, an ensemble that blends the passion and vitality of authentic Latin music with the smooth sound and virtuosity of the classical tradition.
The recent disbandment of The Choir Of St John’s Voices dealt a major blow to the classical and choral scenes, both locally and internationally. The SJV choir had developed into one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the UK. From an engagement on social media that numbered in the millions, to broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, critically-acclaimed albums on the Naxos label and a plethora of concerts and tours, St John’s Voices were widely known for their joyful and communicative performances. Now emerging from the ashes of its predecessor, The Cambridge University Schola Cantorum will offer exceptionally high-quality, committed musical experiences for listeners and performers alike.
With a rehearsal base at Emmanuel College, Schola will perform weekly services of candlelit Compline in a different chapel or church each Monday; alongside these services the choir performs concerts each term in and around Cambridge, as well as undertaking a variety of other activities. CUSC is passionate about sharing its love of choral music with as wide an audience as possible, and has an active social media presence as well as a keen interest in community outreach, forming a partnership with Sheffield’s Steel City Choristers to facilitate work between the two choirs. CUSC will also pursue a particular interest in the Russian and Slavic schools of church music. Whilst the age-old traditions of choral singing form the foundation of the choir’s work, the choir is actively engaged in the development of new repertoire, working with emerging and established composers.
With plans for a potential ‘Carols from Cambridge’ programme to be broadcast on national radio, Christmas performances at The Ritz and the possibility of a US tour in Easter, The Cambridge University Schola Cantorum will undoubtedly rise swiftly to prominence and continue to flourish! Click here for more news!