News

'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.

Advent Carol Service and Record Review on BBC Radio 3

26 November 2018

The Choir’s Advent Carol Service – as well as the Choir’s latest release, Advent Live – featured on BBC Radio 3 this weekend

Choir releases 'Advent Live'

18 October 2018

Advent Live – a collection of live recordings from the College Advent Carol services – is available now as the sixth album to be released on the 'St John's Cambridge' label

Thousands watch Facebook Live Evensong with Classic FM

24 May 2018

On Friday 18th May – for the first time – Evensong was video live-streamed via Facebook by Classic FM. Watch again here

'Mass in G minor' released

24 May 2018

Our latest album of music by Ralph Vaughan Williams – including the Mass in G minor – has been released with critical acclaim

Choir return to Chapel Tower for Ascension Day

12 May 2018

For the first time since 2013, the Choir performed the Ascension Day Carol Service from the Chapel Tower after its restoration

A successful tour to the Far East

21 April 2018

We had a fantastic time on our recent tour to Hong Kong and Singapore. Read more and watch all of our features here

The Choir to release 'Mass in G minor'

18 April 2018

On Friday 18 May, the Choir will release its latest album on the 'St John's Cambridge' label with Signum Records, which features works by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Tenor Lay Clerk Vacancy

14 April 2018

The Choir seeks to appoint a Tenor Lay Clerk for the academic year 2018-19.

Tour to Hong Kong and Singapore 2018

6 March 2018

The Choir travels to the Far East for two concerts in Hong Kong and Singapore, with a programme entitled 'Faire is the Heaven'. There will be a pre-tour performance in the College Chapel

Nan Guest

13 February 2018

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Nan Guest - widow of former Director of Music George Guest - on 8 February.

A Singing Day with schools in Northampton

7 February 2018

Members of the Choir, in conjunction with the David Ross Education Trust, visited Northampton recently to sing with six local choirs drawn from the Northampton area

Christmas Concert Series with organist Thomas Trotter a success

22 December 2017

We recently completed a successful Christmas Concert tour to Birmingham, Budapest, and Berlin, performing alongside the renowned concert organist Thomas Trotter

Joanna Ward's 'The Banquet' premiered at Evensong

6 November 2017

On Thursday 26 October, the Choir performed the first commission of the term: 'The Banquet' by undergraduate Joanna Ward. The piece featured men's voices and a double bass, played by Joe Cowie, and it was funded with generous support from Paul & Joanna Lindsell and Jeremy & Jodie Podger.

Iestyn Davies and Signum Classics receive Gramophone Awards

21 September 2017

Former choral scholar and chorister Iestyn Davies and label partners Signum Classics receive 'Baroque Vocal' and 'Best Label' in 2017 Gramophone Awards