Royal Fireworks

A sumptuous banquet of music written for the Chapel Royal and royal occasions – from the polyphony of the Tudor period to pomp and circumstance of 20th century coronations.  Join us for bangers and sparklers marking royal births, marriages and deaths – the “Crown Jewels” of 500 years of music.

The British monarchy has commissioned a rich repertoire of choral works over the centuries, and we shall explore some of the finest examples, with accompanying insights provided by some of Cambridge’s most eminent musicologists.

Works to include:

William Byrd: O Lord make thy servant Elizabeth
Thomas Weelkes: When David heard
Henry Purcell: Funeral sentences
Hubert Parry: I was glad
John Rutter: This is the Day

This course is designed to immerse you in the rich choral life of Cambridge, singing Evensong and Compline by candle-light in historic chapels under the direction of celebrated Cambridge choir directors, with a programme of glorious repertoire, and accommodation in one of the historic colleges. Alongside the choral workshops, you’ll enjoy complementary cultural and educational talks, and a sumptuous formal dinner. You will develop your voice and choral skills with daily vocal health sessions, and enjoy warm camaraderie with a friendly group of people who share your passion for choral music.

Experience this extraordinary world from the inside:

• Ensuite accommodation in a historic Cambridge college (please bear in mind this is an academic setting rather than a hotel)
• Sing in iconic Cambridge college chapels, each with a different acoustic, feel and organ
• Evensong and Compline under leading Cambridge choral directors
• Vocal health sessions to develop and sustain your voice
• Welcome drinks reception where you will have the opportunity to meet the other participants and the weekend tutors and staff
• Thursday night formal dinner with fine wines from the College cellar
• Complementary cultural and educational talks with academic specialists to give context and insights
• Time out to explore Cambridge

Application deadline 30 November 2026

Timings

Rooms available from 2pm Tuesday

Welcome drinks 5pm Tuesday

Course ends 6pm Saturday

Course fees

FEES: £1,595, £995 non-residential

Bring a friend discount: SAVE £50 EACH!

Student Scholars: we’re pleased to offer a limited number of Student Scholarships at significantly reduced rates for singers aged 18-25yrs*. To apply, please email hello@cambridgechoral.com.

Full course fee includes full board for 4 nights, all tuition, welcome drinks reception, music hire, 3-course formal dinner with private dining and other activities. All rooms are single occupancy and ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities. Bedding and towels are provided.

We have a limited number of double rooms so if you’d like to bring a partner along, there’s lots for them to do in Cambridge while you’re singing. They are welcome to join us for meals and social activities and attend evensongs and concerts. Non-singing guest fees on request.

* Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. To qualify for our “bring a friend” offer, your friend must be new to CCA. 

Who should apply?

We welcome singers of all ages from all corners of the globe! If you are an experienced singer and a good sight reader (or happy to learn the pieces thoroughly beforehand), please do apply! Some participants are also choral directors themselves, attending for professional development. We will be seeking to create a balanced chamber choir (maximum 40 voices) to reflect the Cambridge choral tradition.  

Cambridge Chorał Academy is an independent organisation which contracts with Cambridge Colleges for the use of facilities. This event otherwise has no connection or association with the University of Cambridge or its Colleges.

Photos by Robert Katzki on Unsplash and saftladen from Pixabay