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Music at Wolfson

Practice & performance are an essential part of College life

Under the direction of Lyn Alcántara, Wolfson has a thriving Music Society and College Choir with a full programme of concerts. 

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Easter Term Calendar

Fri 12 May

Music and Madeira: The Swan Consort

A special concert by The Swan Consort, an early music ensemble specialising in the vocal music of the European Baroque and Renaissance periods. 
Sat 13 May

Saturday Lunchtime Concert Series: Student Performers

A lunchtime concert featuring musical performances by an array of talented Wolfson students.
Tue 16 May

Easter Term College Service

A 45-minute religious service led by the College Chaplains with music from Wolfson College Choir and pianist Patrick Pan.
Sun 18 June The Mary Bevan Recital Our annual Mary Bevan concert with prize winners from the prestigious Cambridge University Concerto Competition: competition winner, pianist Madeleine Brown, and runner-up, oboeist Jenny Ryan.

Download the Easter Term Calendar here

Our Lent Term Concert included John Rutter's uplifting Gloria accompanied by local group Prime Brass. Wolfson Choir were joined by dozens of former choir members from the past years to celebrate our Dir of Music's 30th anniversary.

Highlights of the 2021/22 academic year concerts included

Vivaldi Gloria with Baroque ensemble and a tribute for the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams.
 

The College has several rehearsal spaces and keyboard instruments, and offers financial support for students of music. Wolfson has a regular stream of students studying at the Faculty of Music.

Musical events

We are delighted to offer a wide range of concerts throughout the year. 

  • Our Lunchtime Concert Series is held on Saturdays at 13.30 in the Lee Hall and showcases musical talent from across the University see the College's website for details.
  • We produce major choral concerts at the end of both Michaelmas and Lent terms where the College Choir is able to showcase its work, along with talented Wolfson soloists and ensembles. We also feature guests performers from time to time such as the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year, Prime Brass and soloists from The BBC Singers.
  • Following some Formal Halls, Music & Madeira offers professional concerts in the Lee Hall. Recent performances include Deco Ensemble, flautist Daniel Pailthorpe, tenor Andrew Kennedy, Classico Latino, The Revolutionary Drawing room, The King's Men and guitarist Craig Ogden, Ignacio Maña-Mesas (saxophone), Donal McCann (piano) and The Austen Trio. Lent Term's music and madeira was given by leading Singaporean guitarist, Kevin Loh.
  • Occasional Early Music recitals happen on selected Friday evenings before Formal Hall at 6.30pm.
  • Our end-of-year concert is The Mary Bevan Recital given by winners of the Cambridge University Concerto competition (Wolfson has many talented musicians including finalist prize winners in 2022 and 2020, and winners in 2019 and 2012.
  • The College Choir performs at the annual end of year garden parties and various carolling events.
  • The Chamber Singers sing at prestigious College dinners and events.

Take a look at the events feed at the bottom of the page to see our upcoming events or view some of our recent performances in the Media Collection.

Music Scholarships

A number of musical scholarships are available for talented instrumentalists, accompanists and singers. Find out more.

How can you get Involved?

  • We also help students and visitors develop music literacy skills and music appreciation through membership of the College Choir, attendance at concerts and access to keyboard instruments for practice.
     
  • Would you like to give a recital in a warm and relaxed environment? If so, our Saturday lunchtime concert series is for you!
     
  • There is a collection of scores for use by current students in the Fuchs House Music Room. 
     
  • The Music Society Committee is always looking for keen members.
     
  • Why not volunteer to steward at a concert?

Get in Touch

Ms Lyn Alcántara - Director of Music
Saman Samadi - Music Society President
Dr Lucy Wilson - Choir Registrar
Dr Stephen Wilford - Director of Studies
Jessi Rogers - Student Music Assistant

What's on

Photographs of performers Madeleine Brown and Jenny Ryan

The Mary Bevan Recital

18/06/2023 at 19.30

Join us for our annual Mary Bevan concert with prize winners from the prestigious Cambridge University Concerto Competition.

Photograph of Patrick Pan

Wolfson College Music Society Lunchtime Concert Series : Patrick Pan farewell piano recital

22/06/2023 at 12.00

Wolfson's Brian Moore Accompanist Scholar, Patrick Pan will give a farewell piano recital at midday on Thursday 22nd June

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