Societies Spotlight: Downing College Music Society
Each term, the student-run Downing College Music Society (DCMS) puts together a packed schedule of musical events, encompassing everything from classical recitals in the Master's Lodge to open mic nights in the JCR Bar. The 2025 Lent Term was no different, with several memorable performances showcasing the array of talent in Downing's thriving musical community.
The term stood out for its flourish of solo and group recitals. It began the term in January with Romantic Expressions: A Piano Recital by Nathan Ng, where Nathan delivered a beautifully expressive programme of works by Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Schumann. In March, the College Chapel was treated to an organ recital by James Bibey, who performed music from the Orgelbüchlein (“The Little Organ Book”) by J.S. Bach, covering the liturgical year. A further highlight was a beautiful performance of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No.1 in D minor by Larry Wang (piano), Matthew Chanwai (cello), and Jemma Hayden (violin), who delivered the work with great sensitivity and technical brilliance.
A number of the recitals comprised performances spanning various styles. The annual Choir Members’ Recital took place in the Master’s Lodge in February, where members of the Chapel Choir performed solos and group numbers, receiving a warm reception from a full and supportive audience. The Lent Term Open Recital in the Howard Assembly Room was another standout event, offering a vibrant mix of musical theatre, classical, and opera performances.
Lent Term also marked a significant milestone for DCMS with its first-ever orchestral concert, conducted by Maddie Melville-Smith of Robinson College. Featuring instrumentalists from across the Colleges, the orchestra performed Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture, a thrilling and ambitious programme that was met with great enthusiasm from students and Fellows alike.
Downing College Jazz Band has continued to thrive this term. The band enjoyed performing for final year undergraduates and their families after superformals and had a successful evening of Jazz Band Karaoke, where non-band members were invited to sing along.
To close the term, the Chapel Choir gave a sold-out performance of Handel’s renowned Messiah Part II, a lovely evening of music filled with powerful choral moments as well as exceptional solos.
Hannah Mason, DCMS President, said: "We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support DCMS has received this term and are grateful to everyone who has helped to make DCMS so successful."
Published 15 April 2025