This page is left here for interest, now that Isis has ceased to be. Please note that the email addresses on this page no longer work.
about isis
Isis is a music society dedicated to 20th-century music and unusual and exciting programming. To give you some idea, over the last four years we've featured works by Prokofiev, Debussy, Bartok, Shostakovich, Mahler, Miles Davis... and a concert of John Coltrane and Mozart! We also aim to get as many people involved with music-making, whether playing or listening — hence voluntary auditions, low ticket prices and most importantly no membership fee.
We run a mailing list to distribute information about concerts, recitals, social events and other things of interest to our members. If you would like to join the list, please email soc-isis-request@lists.cam.ac.uk. An archive of the messages sent to the mailing list may be found here.
Please note that we do not in general forward information about third-party events to the mailing list, although we may make exceptions for events which overlap closely with the aims of Isis.
frequently asked questions
Tell me about your orchestras...
Isis run two orchestras. The first of these is the sinfonietta, a small group (strings 4.4.2.2.1, single wind) dedicated to playing challenging and exciting music, and featuring some of the best Cambridge instrumentalists. Auditions are held at the beginning of the year - competition is fierce, but successful players are rewarded by the chance to perform some incredible repertoire. Players commit themselves to a small number of regular rehearsals held in the run-up to each concert.
Isis also run a non-audition symphony orchestra, giving everyone the chance to perform some amazing large orchestral pieces. We're committed to keeping the music-making experience available to everyone, and the symphony orchestra's repertoire is also challenging and exciting. Previous concerts have included Mahler 1, Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet and, most recently, the amazing Shostakovich 4. Still to come this year: concerti by Nielsen and Finzi.
We start fixing the symphony orchestra about four weeks before a concert, and we invite nearly everyone on our email lists. Do contact us if you'd like to play!
What's the difference between you and the New Music Society?
CUNMS are brill, and put on fantastic concerts and talks about contemporary and recent music. However, they tend to deal with mostly post-1945 repertoire and chamber/small-ensemble music, whereas we aim to broadly cover the gap in the market for early-to-mid 20th-century orchestral music.
What about recitals?
We hope to put on regular recitals this term - if you're interested in doing one, or part of one, email recitals@isismusic.co.uk. All styles and genres are welcome!
I don't play an instrument. Can I join Isis?
Of course! Non-playing members will be kept in touch of our activities throughout the year, and invited to all our social events. Why not become an Isis college rep?