A vast number of student led-musical groups thrive across Cambridge. Some of those focussed on classical music are listed below, and it’s also worth checking out opportunities on offer via your college music society. If you run a student ensemble and would like us to list information about it here, please fill in this form.
Information about any opportunities listed on this website is provided for informational purposes only. The CMP does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any of the external opportunities listed. Any queries or concerns regarding any such opportunities should be directed to the provider of the opportunity in question. Persons engaging with external organisations do so at their own discretion and at their own risk.
A fairly high standard but casual orchestra for graduate students at Orchestras. Wind/Brass are sometimes auditioned, strings are just expected to be of a high enough standard (a min of around grade 7). We rehearse once a week on Sunday, and perform at West Road each term. Website is here: cambridgegraduateorchestra.com Or the committee email is: committee@cambridgegraduateorchestra.com
The Cambridge University Ceilidh Band is a thriving non-audition society of energetic musicians brought together by our inexhaustible enthusiasm for folk music. While the society's origins are in folk tunes from the British Isles, our interests have expanded and we now perform a wider variety of folk music.
We are always available for ceilidhs, May Balls, weddings, birthday parties, or any other events which might benefit from our talent and energy. With a rotating lineup, we play at over 70 events a year, mainly around Cambridge. Since we are so active, we, and our associated callers, have a wealth of experience to offer in creating the perfect atmosphere for an fantastic evening's dancing, or perhaps simply livening up a social occasion. If this sounds interesting, we look forward to hearing from you!
On the other hand, if you like the idea of getting involved in the band and would be interested in joining us, then you are warmly encouraged to browse the information on the site, join our mailing list and come along to a rehearsal!
Cambridge University Sinfonia is a high-quality symphony orchestra, drawn from top student instrumentalists in Cambridge. The Sinfonia rehearses once a week, on a Thursday, in a relaxed and sociable environment, and performs a wide range of repertoire under its student Conducting Scholar, Max Todes. With each project, CUS members receive coaching from professional orchestral musicians and benefit from professional marketing and orchestral management.
This year’s highlights include Mozart’s Requiem in King’s College Chapel and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Sibelius’ Symphony No.1 and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1.
See more information about CUS here.
If you are offered a place in Cambridge University Sinfonia you will need to become a member of the Cambridge University Musical Society. Membership rates are £20 per year for students.
Cambridge University Sinfonia is run with support from the Centre for Music Performance in partnership with the Cambridge University Musical Society
Cambridge University Wind Orchestra (CUWO) is a friendly, high standard ensemble that performs a wide variety of pieces, including concert band standards, popular film music and orchestral transcriptions. CUWO enjoys diverse repertoire with fun, weekly rehearsals and termly concerts.
See more information about CUWO here.
If you are offered a place in Cambridge University Wind Orchestra you will need to become a member of the Cambridge University Musical Society. Membership rates are £20 per year for students.
Cambridge University Wind Orchestra is run with support from the Centre for Music Performance in partnership with the Cambridge University Musical Society
The Cambridge University Opera Society (CUOS) is one of the largest and most prestigious student opera groups in the UK, with a busy calendar of events taking place throughout the year.
CUOS is run by a Junior Committee typically consisting of students of music as well as a variety of other subjects, aided by a Senior Committee of Fellows and academics.
CUOS exists chiefly to facilitate student operatic productions in Cambridge. Every year CUOS stages a wide variety of operas in a number of different venues around Cambridge, putting on productions at least once a term.
See more information about CUOS here.
Cambride University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) is a student-run symphony orchestra. It was created in 1990 to give students a chance to conduct a high quality orchestra, and to give players the opportunity to make good music in a friendly atmosphere. We like to think we achieve this, and have had some notable successes in the past few years, including our silver anniversary concert a few years ago, and a number of very successful tours.
Our repertoire mostly consists of various symphonic works, usually along with a shorter piece to round out the concert. We hold a concerto competition each year which provides the opportunity for students at the university to perform as soloists with the orchestra. Some concertos performed in recent years include Grieg's Piano Concerto and Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2.
See more information about CUSO here.
Cambridge University Brass Band are looking for new members to join our relaxed and friendly student run ensemble. There are no auditions and anyone studying in or around Cambridge is welcome.
Rehearsals are held every Thursday, 8-10pm, and we perform at least one concert each term, as well as smaller group events such as busking, Christmas dinners, and Oktoberfest.
For more information visit our website.
