2024 marks 25 years since Sarah MacDonald arrived at Selwyn as Director of Music, the first woman to hold such a post in an Oxbridge Chapel.

Since then, the choir has gone from strength to strength, has made over 30 commercial recordings, and toured all over the world.

During this time, Sarah received the honorary ARSCM in recognition of her contribution to choral music in the UK and Canada, and has been appointed University Organist, the first woman to hold the prestigious ceremonial role, which dates back to 1670. It was recently announced that she is President-elect of the Royal College of Organists, and will take office from July 2024.

We’d like to celebrate her time here and her many successes with a special event on Saturday 11th May and we know that Sarah would be so pleased to see any of you who might be able to join us.

The event will start with Evensong in Chapel, and there will be the opportunity to sing with the current choir for those who wish to. Sarah hopes to have as many people in the choir as possible, and if enough people sign up, she plans to do Tallis' epic 40-part motet 'Spem in alium' as the introit.

Following a drinks reception, a hot buffet dinner will be served in Hall. Guests are very welcome.

The programme is:

3.15pm welcome with a glass of bubbly
4.00pm rehearsal for those singing at evensong
6.00pm evensong
6.45pm drinks reception in the Harrison Room
7.30pm hot buffet in Hall

The cost is £30 per head to include drinks.

As it is term-time, we are unfortunately unable to offer accommodation in college.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Bookings for dinner are currently closed, please contact mp609@cam.ac.uk to be added to the waiting list.