The Chapel Choir consists of up to twenty-eight singers (10 sopranos, and 6 each of alto, tenor, and bass), most of whom are undergraduates or postgraduates at Selwyn and Newnham Colleges, with a few volunteers from other colleges. There are vacancies in 2025-26 in all voice parts. The Choir comprises Choral Exhibitioners (about three-quarters) and volunteers. The Choir is conducted by the Director of Music, who is assisted by two undergraduate Organ Scholars. All members of the Choir receive a generous subsidy for singing lessons, free dinner on Sundays, as well as heavily subsidised for tours and Formal Hall. More information about the choir can be found on the college web site.

During term, the Choir sings services in the College Chapel, as well as concerts and services throughout the UK, recently in venues including St Paul’s and Ely Cathedrals, and Westminster Abbey, and St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street. Its repertoire ranges from the 10th to the 21st century. We regularly broadcast services for BBC Radio, and every year the choir undertakes an international tour (recent destinations have included Sweden, Italy, Denmark, the USA, and Canada).

In an on-going collaboration with London’s John Armitage Memorial Trust, Selwyn Choir premières and records new works by some of the UK’s most significant established composers, including Paul Mealor, Gabriel Jackson, Judith Bingham, Jonathan Dove, John McCabe, Thea Musgrave, and Bryan Kelly.

The Choir has made over 30 critically acclaimed commercial recordings in the past 20 years, the most recent of which was released in March 2025. The choir’s activities for the 2025-26 year include concerts in London, Bury St Edmunds, and Cambridge, a summer tour to Ireland, two CD recordings, and a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3.