Founded in 1326, Clare College is the University of Cambridge’s second oldest college. Situated in Old Court, right at the heart of the college, lies the chapel. On Saturday 4 March, this elegant and understated building was the host of the Joint School Chamber Choir’s most recent outing to sing Evensong. This was the choir’s first visit to Clare. Following an afternoon’s rehearsal, Mr Orchard gave an excellent talk to members of the choir regarding life as an organ and choral scholar and gave lots of insight into the application and interview process.
The service itself was simply stunning from the outset with the simple light-filled elegance of the chapel lending a poise and intimacy to the service and providing a sense of stillness and reflection. Singing some of the mainstays of the Anglican repertoire, the choir were on exceptional form. Their rendition of Stanford’s Evening Service in C major possessed moments of both tranquillity and grandeur, with the climactic Gloria conveying a real sense of drama. The anthem was Howell’s Like as the Hart, which yet again was sung with poise and sensitivity throughout. This was a wonderful day, made particularly special as the congregation was filled by OGs and former members of the choir alike.
