THE Cambridge mixed choir St John’s Voices (SJV), which was disbanded by the College Council earlier this yr to the dismay of its musicians, has been independently “reincarnated” because the Cambridge University Schola Cantorum.
The recent mixed choir is being directed by Graham Walker, who’s the Director Of Music at Emmanuel College and the previous director of SJV (News, 28 March).
The choir, his idea, was established over the summer with help from its resident composer, Tim Watts, and a “wonderful” management team of staff and students, Mr Walker told the Church Times on Wednesday.
“We’ve been appointing talented and experienced singers from across the University and beyond, including several who’ve previously sung with King’s and St John’s College Choirs.”
A recent website, launched last week with recent social media channels, describes the Schola Cantorum as “emerging from the embers of its predecessor St John’s Voices” to supply “an exceptionally high-quality, committed musical experience for listeners and performers alike”.
St John’s Voices, which had sung evensong in St John’s College Chapel every Monday, admitted girl trebles and feminine altos in 2022. The College Council’s decision to disband it earlier this yr was met with an outcry from its members and others, who suggested that its closure would reverse strides towards gender equality (News, 22 March).
The Schola Cantorum website says: “In its previous incarnation as SJV, the choir developed into one of the exciting and modern ensembles within the UK. From an engagement on social media that numbered within the thousands and thousands to broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, critically-acclaimed albums on the Naxos label and live shows and tours across the UK and beyond, St John’s Voices was widely known for its joyful and communicative performances.
“After the closure of SJV, the choir’s members and director were determined to proceed their work together, and, because of the generosity of 1 donor specifically, CUSC was born.”
Start-up funding was provided by a Cambridge alumnus, Dr Supraj Rajagopalan, who’s CEO of the private equity firm Cinven. Unlike SJV, the Schola doesn’t receive any funding from the university or colleges, counting on donations from friends and supporters.
“The kindness of 1 individual enabled us to begin the choir, and we’re deeply grateful for that support,” the web site says. “Moving forward, now we have received generous pledges towards our endowment, but our goal of £2 million (which is able to keep us running in perpetuity) is substantial.”
The Schola Cantorum began rehearsals at Emmanuel College this week, and plans to sing at weekly services of candlelit Compline in a special chapel or church each Monday, in addition to live shows each term in and around Cambridge.
An inaugural candlelit compline is to happen on Monday at 9.15 p.m. within the University Church, Great St Mary’s.
Mr Walker said: “After a summer of intense activity, I used to be thrilled that our first rehearsals this week have been utterly wonderful. The choir is already sounding glorious, and the scholars are incredibly excited to give you the chance to perform for the primary time on the 14th at Great St Mary’s.
“With a busy schedule of services, culminating in a candlelit Carol Service for the University on 2 December, after which live shows and performances later in December, it really appears like now we have began with energy and determination, and I’m enormously excited for the long run.”
Discussions continued with potential partners, including Classic FM and the BBC, he said. A joint performance with the BBC Singers in June 2025 is confirmed, as are carols at St Mary-le-Bow and the Ritz, in London.
