St Chad’s College Choir represents a wide cross-section of the College, welcoming undergraduates, postgraduates and members of staff alike.
The Choir’s primary function is to sing at services in the College Chapel during term time (Sunday Eucharist or Compline, Thursday Choral Evensong, and Choral Eucharist or Evensong for Festivals and special College days). The choir sings a wide range of music, with settings by Byrd, Palestrina, Howells, through to Daley, and Weir, as well as championing new compositions and arrangements.
In addition, the Choir is privileged to sing in Durham Cathedral, usually once or twice each academic term. The College’s annual Advent Procession in the Cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight in this respect; the annual celebration of St Chad’s Day is another. Visits to other UK cathedrals are also arranged throughout the year with recent visits including Newcastle Cathedral, York Minster and Litchfield Cathedral.
The College values its Choir and choral tradition highly and provides it with many opportunities to play a full and central part in the cultural life of the College. This includes concerts and recitals in the College and city.
Up to 12 Choral Scholarships are available each year; some of which will be awarded to existing students. These scholarships are funded through generous gifts from St Chad’s alumni and friends.
Scholarship Overview
| Amount | £300 plus the provision of singing lessons |
| Year of Entry | Starting in September 2025 |
| Number of scholarships available | Up to 12 |
| Application deadline | Sunday 28 September 2025 - Freshers Sunday |
| Domicile | Home, EU or International |
| Level of study | Undergraduate or Postgraduate |
| Mode of study | Full or Part-Time |
| Eligibility criteria | Whilst there is no particular requirement for formal vocal qualifications, those applying should have a good foundation in choral singing. Sight-reading ability, vocal range and suitability to lead the choir will also be considered as part of the selection process. |
| Application and selection process | Personal statement of no more than 1,000 words and a appropriate musical reference submitted to chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk. Your personal statement should include: 1. how your personal musical experience makes you eligible for this award; 2. how the scholarship would enable your development both academically and personally, and; 3. why you want to study at Durham University and St Chad’s College. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person audition during the University's Induction Week or soon after at which they will be asked to sing a verse of a hymn and complete some aural tests and sight-reading. A short series of interview questions will also be included. |
| Interview/audition information | Induction Week or soon after |
| Additional information | Choral Scholars are expected to commit to attending all services and rehearsals and there is a strong expectation that their commitments as a Choral Scholar will be prioritised. Due to the level of commitment required, the College reserves the right not to award Choral Scholarships to those who hold similar scholarships elsewhere. Priority for Choral Scholarships will be given to students of St Chad's College. However, a number of scholarships are awarded each year to students from other Colleges. Indeed, a key priority for the College is to ensure that Choral Scholars are committed to their role as leaders within the choir and are prepared to play their part in fostering a sense of community within the choir and chapel. Following the auditions, all singers are invited to attend an open rehearsal in preparation for the first services of the term. During this rehearsal, we seek to understand the blend and balance of the ensemble before final scholarship decisions are made. |
| Programmes | All undergraduate and postgraduate programmes |
| Duration | One academic year with the opportunity for renewal for up to three years following agreement from the Vice Principal. |
| Contact information | chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk |