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Introduction
The Friends of Selwyn Chapel Choir has been set up to promote and support the choir's activities, both present and future. Subscription is open to anyone: current and former members of the choir; members of Selwyn and Newnham College; those who are, or have been, a part of the Chapel congregation; concert supporters; and those who have watched the choir develop over the years.
The Friends meet annually for Evensong at Selwyn, followed by dinner. Those Friends who would like the opportunity to sing for this service are invited to do so. We hope that this organisation will provide ongoing support for the significant musical opportunities on offer to members of Selwyn Choir, enabling the choir to thrive both at home and abroad.
A message from the Honorary President, Sir David Lumsden (SE 1948):
"I am delighted to be Honorary President for the Friends of Selwyn College Chapel Choir. The choir has played a key role in the musical, spiritual, and social lives of so many generations of members of College, past and present, and of listeners throughout the world. As Organ Scholar in charge of the Chapel Choir (old style, i.e., full of male ordinands, some of whom could sing) between 1948 and 1951, I can truly say that the present choir is in a completely different league and is now recognised as one of the leading choirs in Cambridge. It is a precious jewel that we must all protect and underwrite. It is a pleasure to support the launch of this organisation, and to know that the Chapel Choir's future will be secured."
History of Selwyn College Chapel Choir
Selwyn College Chapel has had a choir since the College was established in 1882. For its first nine decades, the choir consisted of men only, and was directed by undergraduate Organ Scholars, the list of which includes an impressive number of eminent names. Sopranos and altos were often borrowed from across the road at Newnham, and the link with this college still remains today. The mixed choir was founded in 1976, with the admission of women to College. The College's first professional Director of Music took post in the same year.
The choir's primary role is to lead the music at services in the College Chapel. They also give frequent concerts throughout the UK and abroad, and enjoy regular cathedral Evensong visits. They have broadcast services for the BBC, have sung live on television, and every year undertake an international tour (destinations have included New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Israel and Palestine, and much of continental Europe). They work frequently with guest conductors, in services and concerts. In an ongoing collaboration with the John Armitage Memorial Trust, Selwyn has premiered major new works by Jonathan Dove, John McCabe, Judith Bingham, and Paul Patterson. They have released several recordings to critical acclaim in the international press.
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