The Chapel Choir
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 teacher, Mr Bradley Smith.
Trips and tours
With our hosts in Vermont, USA, July 2024
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 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. There is currently a vacancy for an Organ Scholar to join us in either 2025 or 2026.
Organ Scholars receive an annual stipend of £450 (in line with other Cambridge colleges), along with a generous allowance for organ and conducing tuition, and a large room with a piano in College 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 (Hampton Court Palace), and David Pipe (formerly York Minister, now Organist at Leeds Cathedral).
The Music team
“I’m Dominic Remedios, the Senior Organ Scholar at Downing. I am involved in both conducting and accompanying the Chapel Choir, as well as organising the annual international tour at the end of the Easter term. The scholarship is great as it allows you to experience singing, playing, and conducting a range of choral music from the 16th century to the present day. I particularly enjoy the Advent Carol Services and the Commemoration of Benefactors Evensong, which are important annual events in College and are always a great deal of fun. Through being Organ Scholar I have built a great friendship group and made fantastic memories through opportunities to dine together at Formal Halls, and sing together in a number of incredible venues. Outside chapel duties, I enjoy playing hockey for the University as well as playing trumpet in the Downing College Jazz Band and singing in the Barbershop quartet.”
Dominic Remedios, Senior Organ Scholar
“Kia ora! My name is Matthew Chanwai and I am from New Zealand on the other side of the world! I am excited to be Downing’s new Junior Organ Scholar this year. I am a cellist at heart and have loved being involved in all facets of music - chamber music, choirs, and orchestras. Musical highlights have included being the Principal Cellist of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra, regularly playing the largest church organ in Australasia, and performing at Carnegie Hall in 2019. Outside of music, you’ll find me on the golf course, playing tennis or being in New Zealand's great outdoors.”
Matthew Chanwai, Junior Organ Scholar
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 Director of Chapel Music & Organist at St Edmund’s College. 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.