Lay Clerks 2026-7
Applications are open for six Lay Clerks to join the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, in September 2026. Daniel Hyde (Director of Music) seeks to appoint excellent singers who possess a high level of musical proficiency, including robust sight-reading ability, and a solid foundation in choral singing. Positions are available for countertenors, tenors, and basses.
About the Chapel and Choir:
King’s College is justly famous for its Chapel, built on a grander scale than that of any other College, and a jewel of late Gothic architecture. The Chapel was central to the original plan of Henry VI for King’s and continues to be a dominant feature of the College and perhaps the most iconic building in Cambridge. Because of the architectural distinction of the building, the beauty of its stained-glass windows, and its reputation for musical excellence, the Chapel attracts thousands of worshippers and visitors each year.
The Chapel is home to the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, one of the world’s most renowned and best-loved choirs. In addition to singing the daily services in Chapel, the Choir performs a number of high-profile events, including A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is broadcast live on Christmas Eve to countless millions of people around the world, and the sister-programme Carols from King’s, which is pre-recorded for BBC television. The Choir maintains an extensive touring schedule, with recent tour locations including Australia, the USA, Germany, Netherlands, and Estonia. Since 2012 the College has promoted recordings on its own label.
About the role:
All members of the Choir sing in all Chapel services as required during Full Term. In addition, full participation at concerts, broadcasts, tours, recordings, and additional services both during Term and during the vacations is expected.
Job type: One-year fixed-term, with possibility of renewal
Full or part-time: Part-time, including evening and weekend work as required for Chapel services and Choir activities
Salary: £15,416 per annum
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS check and must provide proof of qualifications in accordance with the requirements of the Children Act 1989, as amended. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK is also required.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, detailing experience and suitability, to Daniel Hyde, Director of Music along with a completed application form and reference consent form, which can be found below. In addition, applicants should send a recent video or audio recording of themselves singing one piece, either as an attachment or an unlisted YouTube link.
Further enquiries and all applications should be sent to choir.manager@kings.cam.ac.uk no later than 12pm on Monday 23 February 2026. Successful applicant will be invited to an audition and interview in the week commencing Monday 2 March 2026.