News

Logie Bruce-Lockhart: 1921-2020

15 September 2020

We are saddened to hear of the loss of Logie Bruce-Lockhart, a former Choral Scholar (1940-46) who later became Headmaster of Gresham’s School (1955-82)

'Pious Anthems & Voluntaries' available now

14 August 2020

The Choir has released a new nine-part cycle composed by Michael Finnissy, St John's Composer in Residence 2016-19. The album has already been selected in Gramophone's 'Editor's Choice'

Declan Costello leads Covid study that hopes to declare singing safe

29 July 2020

Declan, a former Choral Scholar at St John's, is working on research funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and sponsored by Public Health England

Virtual College Concert: Friday 3rd June

1 July 2020

This Friday at 7:30 p.m, enjoy a variety of performances from our College groups, musicians and alumni

'Virtual Chapel' returns for the Summer Residency

23 June 2020

Our offering of online services will continue from Sunday 21st June - Sunday 5th July, featuring music from the College Choir and St John's Voices

St John's College launches 'Virtual Chapel'

21 April 2020

This Easter Term, the College will be providing a variety of services online which will feature both the College Choir and St John's Voices

Tim Pride

9 April 2020

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Tim Pride, former choral scholar at St John's College 1982-85.

Easter USA Tour Cancellation

19 March 2020

Owing to the emergency restrictions in place during the current Coronavirus pandemic, St John’s College regrets that the Chapel Choir is unable to tour to the United States of America at this time.

Concert Cancellation: Monday 16th March

11 March 2020

The concert that was to be held at St John's College Chapel on Monday 16th March has been cancelled

The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge

Tenor and Bass Lay Clerk Vacancies 2020-21

9 March 2020

Auditions for the posts of Tenor and Bass Lay Clerks will be held on Monday 16 March

Ash Wednesday available now

21 February 2020

We have released an album featuring the live broadcast recording of the 2019 Ash Wednesday Evensong, which includes works by Bach, Byrd, Weelkes as well as the Allegri Miserere mei.

St John's Voices release first album: Mathias Choral Music

10 January 2020

Our sister choir has recorded an album of music by William Mathias in collaboration with the Gentlemen of St John's

Former Chorister makes shortlist for Radio 3 Carol Competition

13 December 2019

Congratulations to former chorister Tom Dobney, whose carol has been shortlisted for the public vote of the 2019 BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition

Stephen Cleobury (1948-2019)

23 November 2019

We are saddened to hear of the loss of Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music at King's for 37 years and former St John's Organ Scholar (1967-71)

Magnificat_Choir_of_St_John's_College_Cambridge

The Choir's new album, Magnificat, is now available to buy, download and stream. Celebrating the Evening Canticles that play a significant part in the Choir's Evensong services, it is an Editor's Choice Pick from Gramophone magazine.

Andrew Nethsingha on Leighton's 'Second Service'

18 October 2019

Andrew Nethsingha discusses the story of Leighton's 'Second Service', commissioned in memory of former St John's Organ Scholar Brian Runnett. Read along whilst listening to Leighton's 'Nunc Dimittis' from the Choir's forthcoming album below.

Andrew Nethsingha on Tippett's 'St John's Service'

4 October 2019

Andrew Nethsingha discusses the significance of Tippett's 'St John's Service', a work which demonstrates a fresh, vivid and original take on the Evening Canticles. Read along whilst listening to Tippett's 'Magnificat' from the Choir's forthcoming album below.

Ed Lyon - former Choral Scholar - releases new album

27 September 2019

Tenor Ed Lyon (Choral Scholar 1998-2001) has released his first solo recording project called 17th Century Playlist.

George Herbert joins the Choir as Junior Organ Scholar

23 September 2019

We are delighted to welcome George Herbert as our new Junior Organ Scholar for the 2019-20 academic year.

'Magnificat' - the new album from The Choir of St John's

20 September 2019

The Choir of St John’s' new album - Magnificat - celebrates their daily tradition of Evensong and is released on 25 October 2019.

Tributes paid to Master of St John’s College who has died age 69

10 September 2019

It is with sadness that we announce that the Master of St John's College, Professor Sir Christopher Dobson, died on Sunday 8 September.

He is survived by his wife, Dr Mary Dobson, their sons, Richard and William, and his beloved dog, Jimbo. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and died at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey. A full tribute to Sir Christopher can be viewed on the College website.

Andrew Nethsingha conducts rehearsal and service for the Cambridge Choral Course

27 August 2019

Andrew Nethsingha, Director of Music for St John's College, directs rehearsals and Evensong for the Cambridge Choral Course in St John's College.

Organised by the Rodolfus Foundation, this Choral Course is aimed at young people aged 16-21 who have a talent and passion for singing and choral music. Andrew will rehearse the 95-strong Choir of young, talented musicians, in preparation for a service of Evensong in St John's College taking place on Thursday 29 August 2019.

Choral course for young musicians taking place at St John's College

23 August 2019

Talented young musicians from across the UK are visiting St John’s College for a week-long summer school to learn from leaders in the field of choral music.

Organ Recital Series with Johnian alumni continues in October

13 August 2019

We are delighted to welcome back so many former St John’s Organ Students during a 15-month celebration of the Chapel’s 150th anniversary.

They have gone on to a variety of distinguished careers which include Church Music, Teaching, Opera, Composing and Arranging, Academia, Orchestral and Choral Conducting, Organ and Piano playing.

The Gents lead a vocal workshop at Thorndown Primary School

30 July 2019

The Gentlemen of St John's performed to almost 600 children from Thorndown Primary School, St Ives and led a vocal workshop with their Year 4 pupils.

The ‘Gents’ are a vocal ensemble made up of Choral and Organ Scholars from the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge. Kate Medlow – a teacher at Thorndown – wrote this account of The Gents’ visit:

'The children and staff at Thorndown Primary School were extremely lucky to have a visit from The Gentlemen of St John’s to perform during our Music Week from 1-5 July 2019.