Music
at Great St Mary's
For centuries, the University Church has been a special place for music in the heart of Cambridge. Our Choristers, Youth Choir and Choir Adults contribute to a vibrant programme of choral services. Our music is also enriched by the Great St Mary's Junior Choir (children in school years 1 to 3), the Michaelhouse Singers (our wellbeing choir), and the Academy of Great St Mary's (our orchestra). Great St Mary's has a fine ring of twelve bells, rung by the Society of Cambridge Youth, the second oldest change ringing society at any church in the world.
Choirs for Children and Teenagers
For boys and girls who love to sing, being a chorister is a wonderful foundation for a life-long love of music. Our youth choir nurtures and trains teenagers to sing to the highest standards with an exciting range of choral music in services. Click the image to find out more about our choirs, including information on voice trials and auditions.
Adult Choirs
From September 2026, we a re-structuring adult singing opportunities at Great St Mary's.
The Parish Choir will be Great St Mary’s auditioned SATB Choir of volunteer singers and sings both independently and together with our teenaged youth choir.
The Lay Clerks will be Great St Mary’s ATB adult singers who contribute to the musical education of our burgeoning treble line through providing a superb back row.
We also have singing opportunities for adults who can't commit to our regular choirs.
Click the image to find out more.
Our Organs
Great St Mary's has two pipe organs.
The 1991 Kenneth Jones Parish organ is used primarily for regular services.
The University organ is an important historical instrument built by 'Father' Bernard Smith in 1698. It is traditionally used for University events (such as university sermons).
Click the image to find out more.
