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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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Michaelmas Term Calendar

Fri 18 OctMusic and Maderia: Doraly GillA programme of beautiful music, including the Debussy Sonata and Bartok’s Romanian Dances, performed by cellist Doraly Gill.
Sat 9 NovLunchtime Concert: Gospel Singing WorkshopJoin us for a gospel singing workshop with grammy-award winning music educator and conductor Dr Jeffrey Murdock.
Tue 12 NovMichaelmas Term College ServiceA 45-minute religious service led by the College Chaplains with music from Wolfson College Choir.
Sat 16 NovLunchtime Concert: Peter NgJoin us for a solo piano recital by student Peter Ng with works by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude and more.
Sat 23 NovLunchtime Concert: Student Musician ShowcaseEnjoy performances by an array of talented Wolfson student singers and instrumentalists.
Sun 1 DecAdvent Carol ServiceAll members of College and their families, and local residents are welcome to attend Wolfson's Advent Carol Service.
Sun 8 DecMichaelmas Term Concert: A Gospel ChristmasWolfson College Choir presents and evening of spirituals and gospel choral works at this festive concert.

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 person with long hair, wearing a black dress, holds a string instrument and smiles while standing in front of a window with stone walls in the background.

Music and Madeira: Doraly Gill - cello

18/10/2024 at 18.30

A concert of beautiful music, including the Debussy Sonata and Bartók’s Romanian Dances, performed by cellist Doraly Gill accompanied by pianist Daniel Liu.

A man wearing glasses and a burgundy blazer sits indoors, smiling, with a grand piano in the background.

Lunchtime Concert: Gospel Singing Workshop

09/11/2024 at 13.30

Join us for a soul-stirring gospel singing workshop with grammy-award winning music educator and conductor Dr Jeffrey Murdock.

Silhouette of a cross with a soft-focused background.

Michaelmas Term College Service

12/11/2024 at 18.15

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

A young man plays a grand piano on stage during a performance, focused on the keys.

Lunchtime Concert Series: Peter Ng

16/11/2024 at 13.30

Join us for a solo piano recital by student Peter Ng with works by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude and more.

Advent candles

Wolfson Advent Carol Service

01/12/2024 at 19.00

All members of College and their families, and local residents are welcome to attend Wolfson's Advent Carol Service.

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