The Chapel Choir 

Choir activities

The Chapel Choir is the only choir in Cambridge (and possibly the world) which has its very own flamingo (yes really). Renowned as one of the friendliest choirs in Cambridge, the Choir generally sings one service a week (usually Evensong on a Sunday) during University terms, with an additional service of Compline by Candlelight twice a term. We are unique in Cambridge in that the Organ Scholars are entirely responsible for every aspect of running the Choir, from planning music lists, to day-to-day administration, to organising cathedral visits and overseas tours, plus all the conducting and playing. They are supervised and supported both by the Director of Music and the College’s Ambassador for Music, who coach them in aspects of conducting and liturgical organ-playing, in addition to arranging regular visits from other musicians, for example Cathedral Directors of Music and animateurs.

Members of the Choir are entitled to dine at Formal Hall once a week, free-of-charge, as well as receiving free singing lessons from our visiting teachers, Mr Bradley Smith and Ms Eli Rolfe Johnson. 

Trips and tours

The Choir in Milan Duomo, July 2025

In addition to their regular duties in the Chapel, the Choir regularly sings services at cathedrals around the UK (recent visits have included Norwich, Peterborough, and Ely), as well as for University Sermons in Great St Mary’s, the University Church. There is an annual tour abroad: recent destinations have included Sweden & Norway, Lithuania, Canada & the US, and Hungary. You can keep up with the Choir on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages.

Joining the Choir

Membership is primarily open to Downing students, with others from across the University also welcome. Choral Awards are available for Downing undergraduate and postgraduate students who apply through the Intercollegiate Choral Awards Scheme after receiving their academic offer.

The Music Team welcomes interest in joining the Choir at any stage in the academic year. Please email for more information and to arrange an audition.

Organ Scholarships

There will usually be two organ scholars in residence in any one academic year. We have a vacancy for a Graduate Organ Scholar (who may be a student at any Cambridge College) for 2025-26, with the next Downing undergraduate vacancies arising in 2027 and 2029.

Organ Scholars receive an annual stipend of £450 (in line with other Cambridge colleges), along with a generous allowance for organ, singing, and conducting tuition, as well as a practice piano for personal practice for all three years of the scholarship. Any academic subject may be studied.

As stated above, an Organ Scholarship at Downing is unique in Cambridge, in that most of the responsibility for running, directing, and accompanying the Choir rests with the organ scholars. They work as a team with the Chaplain and Director of Music, and enjoy a bespoke programme of mentoring and coaching from a variety of professional musicians throughout the year. Whatever your interests, there is space for you to explore them here: making mistakes in front of supportive friends and colleagues is an excellent way to develop both personally and musically!

Downing has a reputation for producing highly successful organists and choir directors. Previous Organ Scholars include our Honorary Fellow and Ambassador for Music Martin Baker (former Master of the Music at Westminster Cathedral), Carl Jackson (formerly Director of Music at Hampton Court Palace), and David Pipe (formerly York Minister and Leeds Cathedral).

The Music team


“Kia ora. My name is Matthew Chanwai and I am from New Zealand. I am excited to be in my second year as Organ Scholar at Downing. I play the organ and cello and I enjoy conducting the Chapel Choir here at Downing. My personal highlight from last year with the Choir was our tour to Italy. Outside of music, you’ll find me on the golf course, running, or being in New Zealand's great outdoors.”

Louisa Denby is our Director of Music. She has a variety of roles across the University, including as Downing’s Director of Studies in Music, and as Co-ordinator of the Intercollegiate Choral Awards Scheme. She also lectures and supervises for the Music Faculty. Outside the University she has a major role as CEO & Artistic Director of the National Youth Wind Orchestra, and a parallel career as a professional bassoonist.

For further information on becoming a Choral or Organ Scholar at Downing, please email the Director of Music.