Symphony Chorus

There will be rehearsals this year, some in person and some online, and we will have concerts as soon as government and university guidelines allow us. Please check this page for news about auditions and our plans for the year.

If you have any questions, please email studentpres@camchorus.uk

Cambridge University Symphony Chorus is a busy and vibrant choir of approximately 120 members which gives singers the fantastic opportunity to perform some of the most dramatic and passionate choral music ever written. The chance to sing mass works such as Verdi Requiem, Mendelssohn Elijah and Mahler Symphony No.8 and other large-scale repertoire rarely performed in College Choirs, is part of what makes the Symphony Chorus so special.

Cambridge University Symphony Chorus has truly flourished over the past 30 years, delivering exceptional performances of choral classics. A guest conductor is invited for one term each year. The Chorus also enjoys trips and performances abroad for example Florence, Prague, Tallinn, Paris, Lisbon and, most recently, Rome. If you’re passionate about singing and looking for the chance to perform some of the grandest vocal repertory, CU Symphony Chorus is the place for you.

After a unique year of lockdown-zoom singing, we are looking forward to welcoming back everyone to another year of fabulous music.  Join us as a singer as we embark on an exciting year of epic creations by signing up for an audition here, or note down the below dates into your diary and come support us at our termly concerts!

Programme 2021-22

Michaelmas Term

Concert Date: Friday, 26 November 2021

Concert venue: Our Lady of the English Martyrs

Programme: “A Very English Coronation”: Mass in G Minor – Ralph Vaughan Williams with coronation music by Howells, Stanford, Elgar, Walton and Parry

Lent Term

Concert Date: Friday, 11 March 2022

Concert venue: West Road Concert Hall

Programme: Bruckner Mass in E minor; Stravinsky Messe

Easter Term

Concert Date: Saturday, 18 June 2021

Concert venue: King’s College Chapel

Programme: Haydn Creation

Auditions are open for our 2021-22 season! Sign up for an audition.

 

2019-2020 highlights:

  • 30th November 2019: A rare performance of Elgar The Kingdom, with Leeds Philharmonic Choir and Faust Chamber Orchestra, conducted by David Hill (Ely Cathedral).
  • 5th to 8th December 2019: Tour to Aachen for a joint concert of a cappella music with our fellow choir Cappella Aquensis.
  • 8th March 2020: French late C19th and early C20th music including new arrangements by Robin Holloway, Joy Lisney and Toby Hession, with Seraphin Project,  conducted by Richard Wilberforce.
  • 13th June 2020: Mozart’s ever-popular Requiem, with East Anglia Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Richard Wilberforce (King’s College Chapel). Cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Review: June 2019: CUMS May Week Concert at King’s College Chapel. Read here.

Review: March 2016: Cambridge University Symphony Chorus helps to resurrect Spohr’s ‘The Last Judgement’. Read here.

Review: 16th May 2015, Choral Workshop with David Hill (Wesley Methodist Church).  Click here for a review.

Interview: Jessica Scaife talks about life as a Chorus member and the exciting programmes in the 2013-14 Season. Read here.

Review: Ralph Woodward conducts Handel, Rameau and Bach 23/2/14, Varsity. Read here.

Chorus Committee 2021-22

Richard Wilberforce (Musical Director), 

Liesbeth Blom (President), 

Civia Chen (Student President), 

Chris Ford (Treasurer), 

Liz Morris (Registrar), 

Bridget Ford (Assistant Registrar), 

Kingsley Reavell (Development Officer), 

Lea Hibou (Communications Officer), 

Miranda Zwalf (Fundraising Officer)

Isabelle Freeman (Chorus Manager)