The Charter Choir, directed by Dr Daniel Trocmé-Latter, sings regularly during term time as performing concerts and touring worldwide. One of the newest college choirs in Cambridge, it is known for its high standard of music-making, its wide range of repertoire, as well as for being a friendly and socially active group. The Choir consists of around 22–24 singers - usually undergraduates at Homerton, the majority of whom receive choral scholarships. Some have been singing in choirs since they were children, while others arrive at Homerton and discover their voice here. There are usually also two Organ Scholars in residence at Homerton, who accompany the Charter Choir.
The Charter Choir performs a variety of choral music, ranging in era and style from the medieval to the 21st century, and everything in between. Although music for the Anglican service of Evensong occupies the majority of the Choir’s repertoire and rehearsal time, it also sings at Formal Hall, and some secular repertoire is performed at end-of-term concerts and College feasts. Click here to browse our past and current music lists.
At an average of four hours' commitment per week, the workload is light in comparison with other Cambridge choirs, but a high standard of music-making is nevertheless maintained.
Choir at Homerton is definitely a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. There is a great sense of camaraderie in the group. We go to Formal Hall together every week, as well as the annual tour and other socials during the year, and as a result the group is very close-knit and we all get on fantastically well.
Nathan Johns
Term time weekly schedule
Tuesday (St John the Evangelist, Cambridge)
5:10pm – 6:15pm: Rehearsal
6:30pm – 7:15pm: Choral Evensong
Friday (Great Hall)
5:15pm – 7pm: Rehearsal
The Charter Choir provided me with fun breaks from my studies. I thoroughly enjoyed performing and going abroad on tour, not to mention free weekly Formals! But, most importantly, I made friends for life.
Caroline Steel, Natural Sciences
Join us
The choir is comprised of Choral Scholars, Volunteers and two Organ Scholars. Entry is usually by audition as part of the Intercollegiate Choral Award Scheme, the deadline for which is always 15 February each year, although it is worth contacting the Director of Music at any point in the year, as vacancies do arise periodically. Entry as an Organ Scholar is by audition as part of the University-wide Organ Awards scheme, with applications due by 1 September annually for the following academic year.
Choral Scholarships are tenable for three years, and holders receive a £100 stipend. As well as other perks, choir members also receive free Formal Hall after Evensong, free singing lessons with Homerton's affiliated singing teachers, as well as free musicianship lessons for first years.
Being a member of the Charter Choir has been such an incredible activity for me to get involved in - I couldn’t imagine my Cambridge experience without it! I’ve made some amazing friends, and the community is great - with Formal every week, and other amazing events throughout the year such as Wine and Cheese, alongside our annual choir tour abroad.
Andre Pancholi, Geography
