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Meet the team

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Guest of honour

Sir John Rutter CBE

Sir John Rutter is widely regarded as one of the most successful and eminent composers of choral music of the last century. His contribution to the repertoire, especially of music for the Advent & Christmas seasons, is surely unparalleled: for so many of us Christmas music begins with Carols for Choirs, for which he wrote and edited so many pieces alongside his friend and mentor Sir David Willcocks.  We are enormously excited that Sir John will be joining us for a Q&A session at our Festival, and as our Guest of Honour for a dinner on Wednesday 12 August, to be held in the Fellows’ Dining Room at Gonville & Caius College.

performers

festival directors

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Alexander Trigg

Alex enjoys a diverse freelance career as an organist, director and educator. He is in high demand across the UK and Europe, with forthcoming recitals including St George’s Hanover Square, Temple Church and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as venues in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne. Recent highlights include performing the inaugural recital of the new Lady of Clare Tudor organ at the 2025 Biennial International Baroque Conference in Birmingham. ​ ​As Assistant Director of Cambridge Schola, Alex was instrumental in the foundation of the University’s most exciting new ensemble. He has conducted a wide range of repertoire in Schola’s candlelit evening services, including several world premieres and two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Alex is also Chorus Accompanist and deputy chorus master for the Cambridge Philharmonic. ​ In 2025, Alex founded St Andrew’s Music School, a charity based in south Cambridge which delivers music outreach to local schools and offers free instrumental tuition and performing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also runs Festival of Choirs, a company which brings together choirs from around the world to perform large-scale concerts in magnificent venues. Alex was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and then a music, choral and academic scholar at Tonbridge School. At the age of 18, Alex was appointed Organ Scholar at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for members of the Royal Family on several occasions. He later returned to Cambridge as Organ Scholar at St John’s College, during which time he studied Song Accompaniment with Joseph Middleton on the esteemed Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme, and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Alex continues his professional development as an Advanced Postgraduate student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Graham Walker

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

guest lecturers

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Professor Andrew Gant

Alex enjoys a diverse freelance career as an organist, director and educator. He is in high demand across the UK and Europe, with forthcoming recitals including St George’s Hanover Square, Temple Church and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as venues in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne. Recent highlights include performing the inaugural recital of the new Lady of Clare Tudor organ at the 2025 Biennial International Baroque Conference in Birmingham. ​ ​As Assistant Director of Cambridge Schola, Alex was instrumental in the foundation of the University’s most exciting new ensemble. He has conducted a wide range of repertoire in Schola’s candlelit evening services, including several world premieres and two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Alex is also Chorus Accompanist and deputy chorus master for the Cambridge Philharmonic. ​ In 2025, Alex founded St Andrew’s Music School, a charity based in south Cambridge which delivers music outreach to local schools and offers free instrumental tuition and performing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also runs Festival of Choirs, a company which brings together choirs from around the world to perform large-scale concerts in magnificent venues. Alex was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and then a music, choral and academic scholar at Tonbridge School. At the age of 18, Alex was appointed Organ Scholar at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for members of the Royal Family on several occasions. He later returned to Cambridge as Organ Scholar at St John’s College, during which time he studied Song Accompaniment with Joseph Middleton on the esteemed Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme, and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Alex continues his professional development as an Advanced Postgraduate student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Professor Sarah
Houghton-Walker

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

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Dr Sarah Upjohn

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

Singing teachers

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Lynette Alcantara

Alex enjoys a diverse freelance career as an organist, director and educator. He is in high demand across the UK and Europe, with forthcoming recitals including St George’s Hanover Square, Temple Church and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as venues in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne. Recent highlights include performing the inaugural recital of the new Lady of Clare Tudor organ at the 2025 Biennial International Baroque Conference in Birmingham. ​ ​As Assistant Director of Cambridge Schola, Alex was instrumental in the foundation of the University’s most exciting new ensemble. He has conducted a wide range of repertoire in Schola’s candlelit evening services, including several world premieres and two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Alex is also Chorus Accompanist and deputy chorus master for the Cambridge Philharmonic. ​ In 2025, Alex founded St Andrew’s Music School, a charity based in south Cambridge which delivers music outreach to local schools and offers free instrumental tuition and performing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also runs Festival of Choirs, a company which brings together choirs from around the world to perform large-scale concerts in magnificent venues. Alex was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and then a music, choral and academic scholar at Tonbridge School. At the age of 18, Alex was appointed Organ Scholar at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for members of the Royal Family on several occasions. He later returned to Cambridge as Organ Scholar at St John’s College, during which time he studied Song Accompaniment with Joseph Middleton on the esteemed Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme, and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Alex continues his professional development as an Advanced Postgraduate student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Helen Groves

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

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James Oldfield

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

Music and liturgy team

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George Palmer - Ordinand

Alex enjoys a diverse freelance career as an organist, director and educator. He is in high demand across the UK and Europe, with forthcoming recitals including St George’s Hanover Square, Temple Church and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as venues in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne. Recent highlights include performing the inaugural recital of the new Lady of Clare Tudor organ at the 2025 Biennial International Baroque Conference in Birmingham. ​ ​As Assistant Director of Cambridge Schola, Alex was instrumental in the foundation of the University’s most exciting new ensemble. He has conducted a wide range of repertoire in Schola’s candlelit evening services, including several world premieres and two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Alex is also Chorus Accompanist and deputy chorus master for the Cambridge Philharmonic. ​ In 2025, Alex founded St Andrew’s Music School, a charity based in south Cambridge which delivers music outreach to local schools and offers free instrumental tuition and performing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also runs Festival of Choirs, a company which brings together choirs from around the world to perform large-scale concerts in magnificent venues. Alex was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and then a music, choral and academic scholar at Tonbridge School. At the age of 18, Alex was appointed Organ Scholar at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for members of the Royal Family on several occasions. He later returned to Cambridge as Organ Scholar at St John’s College, during which time he studied Song Accompaniment with Joseph Middleton on the esteemed Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme, and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Alex continues his professional development as an Advanced Postgraduate student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Alexander Robson - Accompanist

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

management team

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Sophie Kirk - Manager

Alex enjoys a diverse freelance career as an organist, director and educator. He is in high demand across the UK and Europe, with forthcoming recitals including St George’s Hanover Square, Temple Church and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as venues in Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne. Recent highlights include performing the inaugural recital of the new Lady of Clare Tudor organ at the 2025 Biennial International Baroque Conference in Birmingham. ​ ​As Assistant Director of Cambridge Schola, Alex was instrumental in the foundation of the University’s most exciting new ensemble. He has conducted a wide range of repertoire in Schola’s candlelit evening services, including several world premieres and two BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. Alex is also Chorus Accompanist and deputy chorus master for the Cambridge Philharmonic. ​ In 2025, Alex founded St Andrew’s Music School, a charity based in south Cambridge which delivers music outreach to local schools and offers free instrumental tuition and performing opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also runs Festival of Choirs, a company which brings together choirs from around the world to perform large-scale concerts in magnificent venues. Alex was a chorister at King’s College, Cambridge, and then a music, choral and academic scholar at Tonbridge School. At the age of 18, Alex was appointed Organ Scholar at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where he played for members of the Royal Family on several occasions. He later returned to Cambridge as Organ Scholar at St John’s College, during which time he studied Song Accompaniment with Joseph Middleton on the esteemed Sir Arthur Bliss Lieder Scheme, and earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Alex continues his professional development as an Advanced Postgraduate student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

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Nora Rechel - Media Officer

Director of Cambridge University Schola Cantorum and of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Graham Walker has had a lifelong involvement in the Cambridge choral tradition. Graham's earliest musical education was as a boy chorister, and later choral scholar, at St John's College. He was Musical Director of the Gentlemen of St John's, with whom he directed his first professional recording, of music by Jean Mouton, at the age of 21. Alongside a burgeoning career as a chamber and recital cellist on the world stage, Graham's choral direction developed through his work with St John's Voices and the choirs of Corpus Christi and Magdalene Colleges, and continues through his current roles at Emmanuel and Cambridge Schola. He recently led the BBC Singers in two projects, including a joint performance with Cambridge Schola of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil. ​ Graham's cello-playing has resulted in a number of recordings with his two ensembles: Karolos, a string trio, released two discs of chamber music by Stephen Dodgson as well as of Mozart's epic E Flat Divertimento, while his most recent album with his Latin-American group Classico Latino (“Salsa Classics”) was warmly received by critics, concert-goers and salsa nightclub DJs alike. A recicipient of many prizes, he was awarded a plaque on live Colombian national television in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Colombian Andean music".

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