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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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Lent Term Calendar 2025

Wed 29 JanEvening Recital with Pianist Peter NgA special recital by student pianist Peter Ng who will perform a selection of Preludes and Fugues from JS Bach’s ‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’.
Sat 1 FebLunchtime Concert: Organ RecitalJoin us for an organ recital by our Brian Moore Accompanist Scholar Tom Williamson.
Tue 4 FebMusic and Madeira: L’IsolaAn exciting new Early Music Vocal Consort specialising in the music of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Directed by Matthew Alec Gouldstone.
Tue 11 FebAddressing Marginalisation in Music Education: A Pathway to Inclusion and Equity in Higher EducationA talk by Dr Jeffrey Allen Murdock on addressing barriers in higher music education for marginalised individuals to promote equity, inclusivity, and systemic change.
Tue 18 FebLent Term College ServiceA 45-minute religious service led by the College Chaplains with music from Wolfson College Choir.
Wed 19 FebChamber ConcertEnjoy a performance by Hugo Williamson (tenor), Rose Hodgson (violin) and Tom Williamson (continuo). The programme features works by Purcell, Handel and Telemann.
Wed 12 MarChamber Concert: Student InstrumentalistsEnjoy music for wind ensemble directed by Tom Williamson. Performed by Emma Dinnage (flute), Tom Williamson (bassoon) and William Owen (clarinet).
Sat 15 MarLunchtime Concert: Student Musician ShowcaseEnjoy performances by an array of talented Wolfson student singers and instrumentalists.
Sun 23 MarLent Term Concert: Myths and LegendsAs part of Wolfson’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, the College Choir and Alumni Choir, directed by Lyn Alcántara, present an evening of choral works inspired by the fantastical.

Our full term card is available to download. Keep up to date with our events by signing up to our mailing list.

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 Dining 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 guest performers from time to time, such as the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year, Prime Brass, and soloists from the BBC Singers.
  • Either before or after occasional Formal Halls, Music & Madeira offers professional concerts in the Lee Hall (during 2024 these will be in the Dining Hall). Performances have included Deco Ensemble, flautist Daniel Pailthorpe, tenor Andrew Kennedy, Classico Latino, violinist Rachel Podger, The Revolutionary Drawing Room, The King's Men, guitarist Craig Ogden, Ignacio Maña-Mesas (saxophone), Donal McCann (piano), The Austen Trio, guitarist, Kevin Loh, BBC Singers baritone Jamie W. Hall accompanied by Richard Gowers (piano), and in 2024, The Alexandra Ensemble.
  • 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 end of year garden party and various caroling events.
  • The Chamber Singers sing at prestigious College dinners and events and College weddings and funerals.

View some of our performances in the Media Collection.

 

Music Scholarships

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

 

How can you get involved?

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.

  • 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
Dr Stephen Wilford - Director of Studies in Music
Jessi Rogers - Student Music Assistant
Tom Williamson - President, WCMS

What's on

A bald man with a neatly trimmed beard wearing a light pink shirt and blue plaid blazer stands outdoors in a green park, with trees and soft sunlight in the background.

Addressing Marginalisation in Music Education: A Pathway to Inclusion and Equity in Higher Education

11/02/2025 at 17.30

How can we address barriers in higher music education for marginalised individuals and promote equity, inclusivity, and systemic change?

Silhouette of a cross with a soft-focused background.

Lent Term College Service

18/02/2025 at 18.15

Wolfson's termly College Service led by our ecumenical Chaplaincy Team.

Three people stand inside a church, each holding a bouquet of white and orange roses.

Chamber Concert

19/02/2025 at 20.00

Enjoy a performance by Hugo Williamson (tenor), Rose Hodgson (violin) and Tom Williamson (continuo).

Three young musicians stand together, smiling at the camera.

Chamber Concert: Student Instrumentalists

12/03/2025 at 20.00

Enjoy music for wind ensemble directed by Tom Williamson. 

A group of people are laughing and smiling outdoors as several of them lift a man in a playful pose, with a woman in a red dress at the center holding him while laughing.

Lunchtime Concert: Wolfson Student Musician Showcase

15/03/2025 at 13.30

Enjoy performances by an array of talented Wolfson student singers and instrumentalists.