Professor Steven Grahl appointed director of music at Trinity College Cambridge

Trinity College, Cambridge has this week announced the appointment of Professor Steven Grahl to the role of director of music. Effective from January 2024, Professor Grahl takes over from Stephen Layton MBE, who will step down from the role after 17 years.

Trinity’s master Dame Sally Davies said: ‘I am thrilled that Steven is coming to Trinity to work with our renowned choir and bring pleasure to all those who participate in the musical life of the College, whether that is regular Evensong in our great Chapel or popular events in the calendar such as Singing on the River and the Advent Carol Service. He is fortunate to build on the remarkable endeavours of our outgoing Director of Music, Stephen Layton, under whose inspirational leadership the choir excelled.’

Layton’s final concerts with the choir took place during a tour to Germany this summer. London Choral Sinfonia founder and artistic director Michael Waldron will be interim director of music prior to Professor Grahl’s arrival next year.

Professor Grahl will leave his current position as organist and director of music at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford after taking up the role in 2018 and will also step down as associate professor in the Faculty of Music at Oxford University conductor of Oxford University’s Schola Cantorum, and musical director of Oxfordshire-based Benson Choral Society.

During his time at Christ Church, Professor Grahl has overseen the creation of a girls’ choir, Frideswide Voices, to the College’s music programme as well as numerous recordings and premieres of works by composers including Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Piers Connor Kennedy, and David Maw.

A graduate of Magdalen College, Oxford and Worshipful Company of Musicians’ Silver Medallion winner, professor Grahl’s experience also includes periods as assistant organist at New College, Oxford, organist and director of music at Peterborough Cathedral and at St Marylebone Parish Church, London. He also brings to his new role experience as musical director of The Guildford Chamber Choir, Peterborough Choral Society and The Stamford Chamber Orchestra.

Professor Grahl said: ‘I am honoured to take up the position of Director of Music at Trinity and will strive to sustain and develop the musical life of the College, in succession to my illustrious predecessors. Whilst this is a most exciting opportunity, I am sorry to leave Christ Church and excellent colleagues in the Cathedral, College, and Faculty of Music.’