St Catharine’s College lies at the historic centre of Cambridge; founded in 1473, there has been a choir associated with the college for over a hundred years; since 2008 the choral tradition at St Catharine’s has been augmented by a Girls’ Choir, the first college-based choir of its type in the UK.

In this special sequence, the choirs of St Catharine’s College create a sequence of ‘lessons and carols’ with a feminine slant. Contemporary carols and Medieval chant rub shoulders in this imaginative reworking of the traditional service, combining the secular and sacred. Actor and writer Helen Duff will read between music by Sally Beamish, Nicola LeFanu, Stevie Wishart, James Macmillan, Hannah Kendall and a specially-commissioned carol from Diana Burrell.

The choirs of St Catharine’s have released five discs in recent years on the Resonus Classics label, championing the best in contemporary British choral music as well as little-known Renaissance repertoire. Regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4, they are known for their innovative and inclusive programming, working with artists from Central Europe and the Middle East, and for pioneering education initiatives such as STEM in SONG.

The choir is directed by Edward Wickham, a scholar and pioneer of Renaissance and Contemporary choral music with his professional consort The Clerks and with the choirs of St Catharine’s.

Please note, due to unforeseen circumstances, Sophie Kinsella can no longer take part in this event. Helen Duff is kindly stepping in.