St Chad’s College Chapel Choir represents a wide cross-section of the College, welcoming undergraduates, postgraduates and members of staff alike. We also welcome singers from other Colleges.
The Chapel Choir’s primary function is to sing at College Chapel Services during term time (Choral Eucharist on Sunday morning and Thursday evening Choral Evensong, with some additional festivals and seasonal events). The range of music is vast, from Byrd and Palestrina through to Howells, Daley, and Dove. In addition, the Choir is privileged to sing in Durham Cathedral, usually once each term. The College’s annual Advent Procession in the Cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight in this respect; the annual celebration of St Chad’s Day is another.
The music list for the current term can be found HERE.
The College values its Chapel Choir and choral tradition highly and provides it with many opportunities to play a full and central part in the cultural life of the College. This includes a termly recital series in the College Chapel, regular visits to cathedrals and churches across the region and, from time to time, the release of recordings.
The choir consists of approximately 28 singers with entry to the choir being via an informal range and hearing test (non-scholars). Though previous experience of singing in a choir and/or of choral music is desirable, it is not essential and those interested are encourage to come along to the choir’s Open Rehearsal at the start of the academic year to find out more!
The core of the choir is formed by up to 12 Choral Scholars who are experienced singers selected via application and a friendly, formal audition. Leadership of the Chapel Choir is provided by a student who holds the Director of Chapel Music Scholarship along with the Organ Scholars. These scholarships are funded through gifts from St Chad’s alumni and friends.
The Chapel Choir is supported directly by the Vice Principal, Dr Victoria Brown, and we are pleased to also have the support of Dr Peter Swift, our College Organist, who provides mentorship to the team of Organ Scholars.
In recent years the Chapel Choir has enjoyed singing for services in Newcastle Cathedral, York Minster, Lichfield Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Hexham Abbey, Ripon Cathedral and Trinity College Cambridge.
We are also keen for the choir to represent the College in the local community through our range of outreach projects in Durham City and within the wider region. We are particularly keen to visit local churches and to welcome local singers to also join us at St Chad’s in our chapel.
The choir also enjoys a regular social calendar of informal events, often taking place after a Wednesday evening rehearsal. The friendship and community within choir plays an important role in its music-making and is often well-remembered by choir alumni! Each year, an informal social secretary is appointed who coordinates many of the informal social activities.
Choral and Organ Scholarships
Each year a number of Choral Scholarships are available across all voice parts. Full details about the application process can be found HERE. The Director of Chapel Music Scholarship and Organ Scholarships will also be advertised here when available.
Choral Scholars are expected to play a full and central role in the life of the Choir. In addition to singing at the various Choral services in Chapel, the Choral Scholars will also be encouraged to take an interest in the broader Choir picture, including concerts and tours, social events and outreach. As such Choral Scholars need to be enthusiastic and committed. The rehearsal, service and concert schedule, typically has three slots each week. Nevertheless there are some easing-off points, and there is ample time for the well-organized to pursue their academic studies fully as well as to involve themselves in more wide-ranging activities.
Potential Applicants are encouraged to contact the Vice Principal for further information.