News

The Choir begin recording sessions for Finnissy premiere

15 July 2019

The Choir began work today on a recording of Michael Finnissy's Anthems and Voluntaries, to be released on the St John's label in 2020.

First premiered by the Choir at a special service in June 2019, the work has been three years in the making, Composer-in-Residence Michael Finnissy collaborating closely with the Choir on each of its nine movements.

Celebrating College Music at the May Week Concert

20 June 2019

The Choir of St John's took part in St John's College's annual May Week Concert, celebrating another fantastic year of music-making by the College community.

The Choir premieres new cycle of works by Michael Finnissy

12 June 2019

The Choir of St John’s continues its commitment to new music by premiering a new cycle of works by Composer In Residence Michael Finnissy.

Knighthoods for Choir of St John's alumni

10 June 2019

Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music at King’s College and former Organ Scholar at St John’s College (1967-71) has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to choral music.

"I am profoundly honoured to have received this award. I have sought to nourish and support the precious choral tradition that we have in this country, and to be an advocate for the innumerable benefits of singing and choral music.” - Stephen Cleobury

New music commissioned by the Choir of St John's

5 June 2019

The Choir of St John's premieres works by emerging and established composers during its Easter Term services.

In May, the Choir gave the first performance of Julian Anderson's 'St John's Service', commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Consecration of St John's College Chapel.

'Locus Iste' reaches Number 6 in the Classical Charts

7 May 2019

The Choir's new album - Locus Iste - reached Number 6 in the Official Specialist Classical Chart Top 30.

The album - celebrating the 150th anniversary of St John's College Chapel - was the chart's highest new entry, sharing the Top 10 list with artists such as Einaudi and Lang Lang.

We would like to thank all of you who have bought, downloaded or streamed Locus Iste so far and for supporting the Choir's valuable work.

A History of the College Chapel - Part Two

30 April 2019

The President of St John’s College – Dr Frank Salmon, FSA – has written programme notes for the Choir’s new recording, Locus Iste, telling the story of our College Chapel. The recording marks the 150th anniversary of the Chapel’s Consecration.

In this second of three serialised parts, Frank explores the architectural highlights of the College Chapel, designed by renowned architect George Gilbert Scott.

Watch Evensong on Facebook Live with Classic FM

27 April 2019

A service of Choral Evensong was video broadcast live on Facebook, in association with Classic FM, marking the release of the Choir's new album, Locus Iste. Watch the full broadcast here.

Locus_Iste_Choir_of_St_John's_College_Cambridge

Choir releases 'Locus Iste', its 100th album

26 April 2019

The Choir has released its new album, Locus Iste. It is their 100th recording and marks the 150th anniversary of the consecration of St John's College Chapel.

Glen Dempsey appointed Assistant Director of Music at Ely Cathedral

24 April 2019

We're delighted that Glen Dempsey - Herbert Howells Organ Scholar of St John's College - has been appointed as the new Assistant Director of Music at Ely Cathedral.

Glen will take up the role in September, working with the Cathedral's newly appointed Director of Music, Edmund Aldhouse.

A History of the College Chapel - Part One

18 April 2019

In the first part of these serialised notes, Dr Salmon explains how our current College Chapel came to be built.

Former Organ Scholar appointed Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral

11 April 2019

We are delighted to share the news that John Robinson - former Organ Scholar at St John's College - has been appointed Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral.

John is currently Director of Music at St. Paul’s Choir School, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and will take up the position during the summer.

Day 1-2 | Sweden Tour 2019

10 April 2019

A concert tour outside of the UK is always a highlight for the boys and Gents of the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge. Our first outing for 2019 would be a short tour to Sweden, performing concerts in Örebro, Stockholm and Västerås.

Sweden Tour 2019 - Blog announcement

4 April 2019

The Choir of St John's College is performing a concert tour of Sweden from 4th - 8th April 2019, called 'Give Unto the Lord'.

Check back on our News page for daily updates about the Choir's visits to Örebro, Stockholm and Västerås.

View our concert calendar >

The Choir processing in to St John’s College Chapel

BBC Radio 3 broadcast of Ash Wednesday service

6 March 2019

The Ash Wednesday service in the Chapel of St John's was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 on 6 March 2019.

The service marks the start of Lent, and featured Byrd's 'Ne irascaris, Domine' as the anthem, with Weelke's Short Service. The Choir also performed Allegri's 'Miserere', without which no service on Ash Wednesday could be complete.

The broadcast is available to listen to online until early April.

Listen to the broadcast >

Stream 'God is Gone Up' from forthcoming Choir release

19 February 2019

The Choir's new recording of Finzi's 'God is Gone Up' is available to stream on Spotify.

The piece is the first of fifteen tracks that appears on the Choir's forthcoming release - Locus Iste - which marks the 100th recording by the Choir and the 150th anniversary of the consecration of St John's College Chapel.