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St Catharine’s is proud to have a distinguished and varied musical tradition, in which the College Choir plays a major role.
With musical activities ranging from intimate chamber/consort singing to large-scale choral consorts, from Anglican Evensong to Choral Compline, members of St Catharine’s College Choir have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of musical activities; and in its role as an ambassador for St Catharine's outside the College walls, the Choir’s concerts and recordings, educational and community work, has earned it a reputation for innovation and excellence.
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The focus of the Choir’s activities is the Chapel, with one of the finest acoustics in Cambridge, and the regular weekly services of Evensong and Compline. At Sunday Evensong we sing the Anglican liturgy in its traditional form, while at Thursday night Compline we use Medieval Gregorian chant, choral and instrumental chamber music to create a more intimate atmosphere. The Choir also sings alongside the St Catharine’s Girls’ Choir in Evensongs on alternate Tuesdays.
The Choir gives regular concerts in Cambridge and further afield, as well as occasional broadcasts and recordings. Every year the choir embarks on at least one foreign tour.
Membership
Membership of the Choir is by audition, and anyone interested in singing in the Choir is encouraged to contact the Director of Music at any point to enquire about auditions.
The Choir is made up of approximately 20 singers, drawn mainly from undergraduate and graduate students at St Catharine’s College, but also open to students from other colleges. Prospective singers may wish to apply for a Choral Award in advance of their arrival at Cambridge; singers can also audition when they arrive in Cambridge as freshers.
The Choir is a lively and sociable group, a characteristic of the College as a whole. This is enhanced by the opportunities provided for choir members to share meals, tour and record together and play a part in some of the most significant events in the College’s calendar.
In acknowledgement of their contribution to college life, choir members receive one supper and formal hall per week gratis. Choir members may all receive free singing tuition.
Commitment
St Catharine's aims to attract talented and ambitious singers who are nevertheless not wanting to devote all their energies to this one activity. Members of the Choir have the opportunity to be involved in a wider range of musical and non-musical activities such as running the College Music Society, playing for, singing in and even producing musicals and operas.
Membership of the Choir thus represents an important commitment. A typical weekly schedule consists of:
- Tuesday: 17.15-1800 (approx. every fortnight), rehearsal followed by Evensong (with the Girls' Choir)
- Wednesday: 17.15-18.30, rehearsal
- Thursday: 17.15- 18.30, rehearsal followed either by a service (18.30-19.30) or Compline (21.30-22.00)
- Sunday: 16.45-19.00, rehearsal and Evensong
Concerts and recordings
The Choir gives concerts throughout the year, some of which feature major choral works; others a cappella. The choir also undertakes at least one tour each year.
The Choirs at St Catharine’s are committed to innovative work, and this is reflected in its CD recordings on the Resonus label, which have featured significant amounts of new or little known repertoire.
