Music in Cambridge
Applying to Cambridge? Arriving in the new year? If so, the musical scene may seem a little confusing or overwhelming to you at the moment. Cambridge is probably the most musical university in the country – there can be several concerts on every night, with accompanying rehearsals, and if you're not careful, it can be very easy to overstretch yourself. Having said that, quality is immensely variable so you may assured that, whatever your standard, there's something there for you. There are many different types of orchestra in Cambridge – independent, college and university – and below can be found a brief guide, together with some information about the other performance opportunities available here. You may also want to look at the cammuso website to get an idea of the kind of concerts which are going on.
Disclaimer: we've tried to be as honest as possible in writing this, on the grounds that you'll figure it out soon enough anyway, so apologies if groups take offence – do feel free to email the webmaster.
College and Independent orchestras
College orchestras are non-audition affairs and, although affiliated to a college, generally will beg and borrow players from whereever they can to make up numbers. Standards vary considerably (largely dependent on the size of the fixer's contact list and reputation for parties) – Trinity, King's, Clare, Queens' (Magsoc) and Catz have been personal favourites in the past year.
The college music societies often also promote the work of independent orchestras, which have seen a massive rise over the past few years as many students have tried 'having a go' at conducting. Entry to these tends to be by invitation, and quality is – though largely dependent on the conductor – generally rather high. Often these will put on lesser-known works disfavoured by college and university orchestras, or student compositions.
University orchestras
CUMS (Cambridge University Musical Society). 'The Establishment', CUMS is an umbrella organisation spanning two symphony orchestras (CUMS I and CUMS II), a wind orchestra (the Zephyr Ensemble) and a Chorus. The whole is run by a separate committee (and several sub-committees), largely non-student in composition, together with a part-time Secretary paid for by annual subscriptions. After two rounds of auditions, players are allocated an orchestra. CUMS II and the Zephyr Ensemble are conducted by students and are of a relatively modest standard. CUMS I is of a much higher standard, and is conducted by students, Stephen Cleobury and visiting professionals. All have weekly rehearsals, with quite strict attendance checks (signing registers).
CUMS has considerable resources, and is thus able to put on very ambitious works which no other orchestra in Cambridge could contemplate. Half its concerts are with choir, which may be a good or a bad thing depending whether or not you like choral music! However, the orchestra is not renowned for having a vibrant social life, and many have become somewhat disenchanted with its management. Nonetheless, if you want to play some big works, you'll want to audition for CUMS.
CUCO (Cambridge University Chamber Orchestra). Although it shares its auditions with CUMS, the affiliation ends here. CUCO is an extremely high-standard chamber orchestra, presenting two professionally conducted concerts per term, with a week of intensive rehearsals preceeding each. If you like Mozart, it doesn't get better than this (in Cambridge, at any rate!), and in recent years CUCO has also put on a number of exciting concerts of twentieth-century repertoire.
UCPO (University of Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra). A non-audition university orchestra, UCPO prides itself on its social life. Being non-auditioned, quality can be variable, and the orchestral balance interesting, but there are some excellent players, and particularly soloists, in the orchestra. If you are looking for a laugh with minimum committment, UCPO is well worth a look.
CUSO (Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra). Difficult to avoid being biased, but here goes: CUSO was created in 1990 to give students a chance to conduct a high quality orchestra, and to give players the opportunity to make good music in a friendly atmosphere. We like to think we achieve this, and have had some notable successes in the past few years – we are the only Cambridge orchestra regularly to perform in London, a number of very successful tours have been organised (Hungary 2001, Germany 2003, Czech Republic 2006), and we have been able to perform some great music. Socially, the orchestra is quite close-knit, and formal halls, curries etc. are regularly organised together with regular post-rehearsal pub trips! We do ask for some commitment – one rehearsal a week (with a few extras) – but we are quite sure you'll find it worth the effort!
Chamber music and Solo performance
All of the main university orchestras audition for concerto soloists, so if you are of a suitable standard watch out for emails and posters inviting candidates. Chamber music and solo recitals (with the exception of the prestigious Instrumental Award Scheme) tend to take place under the auspices of the various colleges, with many (notably including Caius, John's and Selwyn) having weekly performances. (Contact details for these are usually readily available on the web or in college handbooks.) Many new chamber partnerships are formed in the first weeks of the year so don't be afraid to advertise in the Music Faculty or in college email circulars etc. if you're looking for someone with whom to play, whether for performance or for fun!