Lay Clerk (Alto)

Applications are open for an Alto Lay Clerk position in the choir of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. This is a fixed term contract running from 28 September 2026 to 27 September 2027 and reporting to the Director of Music (Precentor). Background: The Choir at Caius is one of the finest of its kind and its recent recordings have been released to critical acclaim. BBC Music Magazine awarded a double five-star review for its Masses, Canticles, Motets recording for Linn Records last year, and Gramophone Magazine described their 2023 recording of Philips and Dering Motets thus: "marvellously well-judged direction…everything seems fresh and vital…evidence of sheer musical fun". Their most recent collaboration (July 2024) with the Academy of Ancient Music of Michael Haydn's Requiem was named 'Record of the Week' by BBC Radio 3 Record Review. Tours abroad during the last year included France and Denmark (including the Copenhagen Baroque Festival), and in recent years they have visited both Sweden and Menorca. A tour to Berlin forms part of plans for this year, as well as a BBC Radio 3 broadcast of Choral Evensong and various other concerts within the UK. The role: This post is designed to be developmental, aimed particularly at early career development, with unique opportunities and support for those interested in a career in singing and/or music. The post holder sings at regular services as part of the College Choir (3 per week during term time) and participates in all rehearsals, concerts, recordings, broadcasts and other events - including outside term - as required. The role of Lay Clerk at Caius aims to be a stepping stone into the professional choral world, where the post holder gains invaluable experience from working at the highest level with a leading mixed choir and director, whilst benefitting from regular free tuition from world-class vocal coaches, travel abroad and high-profile events. They will also have the opportunity to mentor younger members of the choir, be involved in smaller and more informal consort groups, and fully immerse themselves in the musical life of the College and Music Society. The posts are designed so that the Lay Clerk have the time and flexibility to develop their solo skills and take on other work outside designated choir time. Accommodation is not provided. Additional benefits include:

• free regular singing lessons with one of the College's singing teachers (up to the value of £1000pa with either Kate Symonds-Joy or David Lowe).
• expensed travel and accommodation for all concerts, UK and foreign tours, recordings and broadcasts, plus fees where appropriate.
• three evening meals per week during term in College after services.
• bookable facilities in both the College's two sites for private practice and lessons.
Key requirements: Lay Clerks will be required to sing in the College Choir for three evening services per week during the eight weeks of full term (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), with an additional rehearsal on Wednesday evening (6.05-7pm). The full weekly schedule can be found here: https://www.gonvilleandcaiuschoir.com/weekly-timetable The Lay Clerks will also be required to sing at special services such as Solemn Eucharist for Ash Wednesday, Requiem for All Souls and Carol Services, and occasional Sunday morning services (e.g. Remembrance Sunday). The post-holders will therefore need to be available during full term (3 x 8 weeks) plus up to 4 weeks during the vacations for other Choir activities such as tours, broadcasts and recordings. In a normal year, a foreign tour and recording will take place during the first part of July, with a BBC broadcast often taking place in either April or September. Successful candidates will have appropriate vocal quality and technique, experience of high-level choral singing, and fluent sight-reading skills. They will also be flexible in their approach to music-making and be good team players.