Choir of St John’s admits female singers

From 2022 St John’s College, part of the University of Cambridge, will build on its reputation for musical excellence by featuring male and female voices in its world-renowned choir for the first time. The decision will mean the choir will be unique in a Cambridge or Oxford College – no other choir of its kind combines the voices of males and females in both adults and children.

Founded in the 1670s, the choir is made up of around 16 adult choral scholars who are largely students at St John's College, and around 20 choristers, who join from the age of eight. Choristers are educated at St John’s College School where generous scholarships are provided to support their education. The choir can be heard at the College Chapel in daily Evensong services and Sung Eucharist on Sundays during university term.  

The choir’s director of music, Andrew Nethsingha, spearheaded the move to admit girls and women to the choir. He reflects on the decision: ‘Providing an opportunity for girls and women to sing as members of The Choir of St John’s is a very exciting development for the choral tradition of the College. Choral singing is a specialised art form, and our choir has played a formative role in the careers of many globally recognised musicians. Extending membership to talented female singers creates an exceptional new musical opportunity for women and girls, as our much loved choir continues to make a highly valued contribution to the musical life of St John’s and the wider world.’

He adds: ‘I hope this small step will bring the day closer when there is gender equality amongst composers, organists and conductors, as well as among politicians, business leaders and in all other walks of life.’

Heather Hancock, master of St John’s College, said: ‘The Choir of St John’s has a stellar reputation for its contribution to the rich choral tradition of the UK. It is a musical treasure of St John’s, the university and, indeed, the world. Being a member of the choir provides participants with an outstanding choral education and vocal training. The College is delighted to support our exceptional director of music, Andrew Nethsingha, as he recruits women and girls, as well as men and boys, to become members of the choir. This pioneering step will continue the distinctive tradition of choral excellence at St John’s and honours the College’s overarching commitment to equality.’