Chapel Choir

Trinity Hall Chapel Choir is an increasingly accomplished consort of approximately 22 voices which plays a significant and much valued role in the life of the College. The choir is rehearsed and conducted by the Director of Music and the two resident Organ Scholars. Choral Evensong is sung in Trinity Hall Chapel each Sunday and Thursday evening during Full Term, providing the main focus for the work of the Choir. Rehearsals take place in chapel before each service and there is an hour long rehearsal on Wednesday evenings. While it is expected that all members of the choir will participate fully in the choir’s activities, the relatively light schedule of rehearsals and services enables individuals to participate in other activities, such as College and University sports teams, and stage or musical performances.

Alongside the regular weekly schedule described above, the choir sings for other important liturgical and college occasions throughout the year such as College Feasts, concerts, tours and visits to local Cathedrals to sing Evensong. They are also offered opportunities to attend ‘open’ rehearsals and take part in choral workshops given by the College’s professional Ensemble in Residence ‘Orpheus Britannicus’.  

Owing to the size and nature of the chapel, the choral repertoire is particularly focused towards smaller-scale canticles and anthems of the typical ‘cathedral’ repertoire. However, the broad historical span of repertoire from medieval plainchant to the present day is maintained, as can be seen on the current term’s music list for chapel services.

The choir ideally comprises some 6 sopranos, 6 altos, 5 tenors, and 5 basses. However, there are no fixed quotas as such and in the past Trinity Hall has always had sufficient space for committed singers. The choir’s membership consists of undergraduate and graduate students both from Trinity Hall and from other colleges within the University. Occasionally, volunteers from outside of the University have also sung with the choir on a regular basis. Entry to the choir is by audition, either at the University Choral Trials (see ‘Choral Scholarships’ below) or at the beginning of each Michaelmas term. All members of the chapel choir are entitled to the following benefits: 

·          Free singing lessons with a visiting professional teacher

·          Free meals following Evensong on both Thursdays and Sundays during Full Term

·          Choral workshops

·          An invitation to the Annual Choir Dinner

Choral Scholarships

In 2011 Trinity Hall will join the intercollegiate choral award scheme for the first time, allowing the choir to combine choral scholars appointed at the University Choral Trials with singers auditioned upon arrival as ‘freshers’ (both from Trinity Hall and from other colleges). Choral scholarships carry with them the standard University award of £100 per year, as well as free formal dinner following all choral services, free singing lessons with a visiting professional teacher, choral workshops and an invitation to the Scholars’ Feast during their time at Trinity Hall.

In addition to their wider role as members of the larger chapel choir, choral scholars at Trinity Hall will have opportunity to sing together as a small-scale vocal consort in their own right, both in service and concert situations.

Further Information

The Director of Music, Andrew Arthur, welcomes enquiries about the chapel choir at any time, either by email or by telephone (01223 332549).