Choral Scholarships

The Chapel Choir at Peterhouse offers many opportunities for you to develop your own musical abilities and interests, and to work with an established, enthusiastic and successful choir. In September 2011, we will be awarding Choral Scholarships to applicants for entry to Peterhouse in 2012 or (deferred) 2013 through the University of Cambridge central competition for Choral Awards. We welcome applications from all voice-types and candidates may read any of the academic subjects offered by the College. The College will continue to offer Choral Exhibitions to those who join the Choir when already in residence.

You will find plenty of scope for refining your skills of general musicianship, as well as for developing particular talents – both in a regular liturgical context and in special events such as College Concerts. The Organ Scholars are in charge of the Chapel’s musical life, in collaboration with the Dean. The choir sings Choral Evensong twice weekly throughout Full Term, on Sundays and Fridays. Each service is preceded by a 90 minute rehearsal. In addition to the regular services, there is a variety of other choral services in Chapel: the annual Commemoration of Benefactors service, a termly Sung Eucharist and the Advent Carol Service amongst them. The current Chapel Termcard can be found here. The Choir also sings grace in Hall for College Feasts.

A wide range of benefits and opportunities is on offer to members of the Choir, through the College’s active support. The majority of the Choir are given choral awards, whether Scholarships through the competition prior to entrance or Exhibitions when already in residence. These have a financial value and also entitle the holder to free singing lessons with professional teachers. Choir practices are always followed by Formal Hall at College expense. Choir meals are traditionally convivial occasions and are supplemented by several black tie dinners during the course of the year. The Choir goes on regular national and international tours under the musical direction of its Organ Scholars and these have been generously subsidised by the College. Plans are underway to make a recording of the Choir in the near future.

There is a separate and earlier application process for those applying for Choral Scholarships with a deadline of 12 September. Application forms, audition dates and details of the University-run Choral Open Day can be found here.

Potential applicants are encouraged to address preliminary enquiries to the Organ Scholars and are always welcome to attend a Peterhouse service or rehearsal; alternatively you can contact the Dean, Revd Dr Stephen Hampton.

Singers already at Peterhouse are warmly invited to audition for the Chapel Choir: please contact the Organ Scholars.