Cambridge University Symphony Chorus (CUSC)

Cambridge University Symphony Chorus (CUSC) is a truly flourishing choir, delivering exceptional performances of choral classics. The Chorus normally rehearses and performs with its Musical Director and a guest conductor is often invited for one concert each year. The Chorus also enjoys trips and performances abroad for example Florence, Prague, Tallinn, Rome, Lisbon and, most recently, Paris. If you’re passionate about singing and looking for the chance to perform some of the grandest vocal repertory, CU Symphony Chorus is the place for you.

Nothing quite compares to singing large-scale symphonic choral repertoire with a hundred others, and if you don’t believe us, why not dust off your vocal chords and give it a try! If you’d like more information, email manager@camchorus.uk.

CUSC rehearses weekly on Thursday nights 7.30–9.45pm during the university term at St Giles’ Church on Castle Street.

Entry to CUSC is by a friendly audition. All members of CUSC need to attend an informal audition every 3 years. Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic term (October, January, April) with the CUSC Musical Director. Occasionally, extra auditions are available at other times.

An audition form for Michaelmas term will be available from 1 September and should be returned by 12 October 2023. Auditions will take place before a Thursday evening rehearsal towards the beginning of term.

Full information and to apply

Auditions consist of:

• Auditions will take 10 minutes.
• You will be asked to perform your voice part for ‘Requiem Aeternum’ from ‘Libera Me’ (No.7) from Verdi’s Messa da Requiem [bb.132–170 in Peters edition available at imslp].
• You will be asked to perform some sight-reading.
• You will be given some ear tests and vocal exercises.
• You may be asked questions about your experience.

If you have any questions please email Mez at registrar@camchorus.uk

Watch us in action:

We recently performed Walton‘s Belshazzar’s Feast at the Philharmonie de Paris with the Orchestre de Paris, Choeur de l’Orchestre de Paris and Sir Willard White, under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä.

You can watch a recording on the Philharmonie’s website until 30 November 2023: https://philharmoniedeparis.fr/en/live/concert/1154883-orchestre-de-paris-klaus-makela

Soloists:

Sophie Bevan MBE soprano, Kate Symonds-Joy mezzo, Andrew Tortise tenor, Ashley Riches bass-baritone
Sir Willard White bass-baritone
Philippa Boyle soprano, Jess Dandy contralto, Peter Auty tenor, Mark Stone bass
Hilary Cronin soprano, Rebecca Leggett mezzo-soprano, James Robinson tenor, Christopher Webb bass-baritone
Dima Bawab soprano, Thomas Elwin tenor, George Humphreys bass

Highlights:

June 2023: Mozart Requiem | King’s College Chapel | Cambridge University May Week Sinfonia | Sophie Bevan MBE, Kate Symonds-Joy, Andrew Tortise, Ashley Riches | conducted by Richard Wilberforce

May 2023: Walton Belshazzar’s Feast | Philharmonie de Paris | Orchestre de Paris, Choeur de l’Orchestre de Paris | Sir Willard White | conducted by Klaus Mäkelä

March 2023: Verdi Messa da Requiem | Ely Cathedral | East Anglia Chamber Orchestra | Philippa Boyle, Jess Dandy, Peter Auty, Mark Stone | conducted by Richard Wilberforce

November 2022: Handel Messiah | West Road Concert Hall | CU Collegium Musicum | Hilary Cronin, Rebecca Leggett, James Robinson, Christopher Webb | conducted by Richard Wilberforce, led by Maggie Faultless

June 2022: Haydn The Creation (sung in German) | King’s College Chapel | Dima Bawab, Thomas Elwin, George Humphreys | conducted by Richard Wilberforce

November 2019: Elgar The Kingdom | Ely Cathedral | Leeds Philharmonic Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra | conducted by David Hill

December 2019: Tour to Aachen for a joint concert of a cappella music with our fellow choir Cappella Aquensis

CUSC has a committee who run the ensemble’s rehearsals, concerts and social events. They are supported by a team of industry professionals at the Centre for Music Performance. If you would like to get in touch or have a suggestion, please contact the CUSC President, Alan Woodward.