Choral Scholarships at Trinity
The Choir’s main focus during term is the singing of services in the College Chapel. Choral Evensong takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and on alternate Sunday mornings there is a service of Choral Eucharist. During the course of these services, the Choir explores a wide-ranging repertoire drawn from both Catholic and Protestant traditions. Music of all ages is sung and, in recent years, the Choir has collaborated with a number of contemporary composers and given several world premiere performances.
An important additional duty for the Choir is to sing at the six annual College feasts. Other traditional events include Singing from the Towers, when the Choir and Cambridge University Brass Ensemble perform from the three towers in Great Court; and Singing on the River, when the Choir sings from punts moored on the river. These events provide an opportunity for the Choir to explore a range of secular repertoire, from madrigals and partsongs to close harmony.
The Choir is socially rich and diverse. This is partly due to the range of academic subjects read by Choral Scholars - Natural Sciences, Maths, Engineering, Law, Theology, English, MML, Music etc. - as well as the range of backgrounds from which members come.
Concerts, Tours, Recordings and Broadcasts
Outside term the Choir enjoys a programme of high-profile performances and recordings. Further information about these can be found on this website. Whenever the Choir is required outside term, food and accommodation are provided free of charge in College and travel expenses are covered if a special journey is required. Tours are also undertaken at no cost to the individual Choral Scholar.
Music in College
Trinity is a very active College musically. Trinity College Music Society runs an orchestra and a chorus, and arranges regular concerts and recitals. There is a series of chamber music concerts given by professional musicians which takes place in the Drawing Room of the Master’s Lodge twice a term and is free of charge to Trinity members. There are six music practice rooms next to the Chapel, each with a piano and one with a harpsichord, which can be booked by members of the college. In the Chapel there is a Steinway D piano and a harpsichord, and a further five grand pianos are available in College for pianists. Choral Scholars also have access to electronic pianos which can be loaned, free of charge, for use in individual rooms.
Choral Scholarships
Choral Scholars need to be enthusiastic and committed. The weekly schedule of rehearsals and services during term leaves ample time for Choral Scholars to pursue their academic studies fully, as well as to involve themselves in other activities. In addition to their choral award, Choral Scholars receive three free dinners each week, and are entitled to free vocal tuition - weekly during term - from visiting professional teachers such as Ashley Stafford and Ulla Blom. The Choir is open to all students except those studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine. Good sight reading skills are an advantage, but not essential, as there is plenty of time to prepare music in advance. Applicants with little church singing experience should also not be discouraged.
Further information
Stephen Layton meets Choral or Organ Applicants throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to find out about Trinity College and the Choir, and to attend a Choir rehearsal. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please email music@trin.cam.ac.uk or call 01223 761528.
