Chapel Choir
Trinity Hall Chapel Choir is an accomplished consort of approximately 22 voices which is rehearsed and conducted by the Director of Music and the two resident Organ Scholars. The Chapel Choir sings two evensongs each week throughout term time and gives concerts both at home and on tour.
What we do
Choral Evensong is sung in Trinity Hall Chapel each Sunday and Thursday evening during Full Term, providing the main focus for the work of the choir. Rehearsals take place in chapel before each service and there is an hour-long rehearsal on Wednesday evenings. While it is expected that all members of the choir will participate fully in the choir’s activities, the relatively light schedule of rehearsals and services enables individuals to participate in other activities, such as College and University sports teams, and stage or musical performances.
Alongside the regular weekly schedule described above, the choir sings for other important liturgical and college occasions throughout the year such as College Feasts, concerts, foreign tours and visits to local Cathedrals to sing Evensong. They are also offered opportunities to attend ‘open’ rehearsals and take part in choral workshops given by the College’s professional Ensemble in Residence ‘Orpheus Britannicus’.
The Music
Owing to the size and nature of the chapel, the choral repertoire is particularly focused towards smaller-scale canticles and anthems of the typical ‘cathedral’ repertoire. However, the broad historical span of repertoire from medieval plainchant to the present day is maintained, as can be seen on the current term’s music list for choral services.
The choir ideally comprises some 6 sopranos, 6 altos, 5 tenors, and 5 basses. However, there are no fixed quotas as such and in the past Trinity Hall has always had sufficient space for keen, committed singers. The choir’s membership consists of undergraduate and postgraduate students both from Trinity Hall and from other colleges within the University. Occasionally, volunteers from outside of the University have also sung with the choir on a regular basis. Entry to the choir is by audition, either through the University’s Intercollegiate Choral Award Scheme or at the beginning of each Michaelmas term. All members of the chapel choir are entitled to the following benefits:
- Free singing lessons with a visiting professional teacher
- Free meals following Evensong on Thursdays and Sundays during Full Term
- Choral workshops with professional Ensemble in Residence
- Invitation to the Annual Choir Dinner
Supporters of Trinity Hall Chapel Choir
The Supporters of Trinity Hall Chapel Choir was launched in April 2015. The aim of the scheme is to encourage donations to support this fantastic cornerstone of musical life at Trinity Hall, providing funds for further development and educational opportunities and ensuring the longevity of the College’s current provision for Chapel music for many future generations of students.
There are opportunities to help fund an organ or choral scholarship, sponsor a future CD recording or concert in College and the opportunity to help students in financial difficulty with the costs associated with masterclasses and choir tours.
To find out more about the scheme or ways to support other musical activities at Trinity Hall, please contact the Development Director:
Email: development.director@trinhall.cam.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1223 766345
