Delaware Cambridge Choral Exchange

The Delaware Cambridge Choral Exchange is a 12-day musical exchange for choral singers, conductors, and educators, with Cambridge University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.

Participants will live in historic and scenic Cambridge, a university town of 125,000 people renowned for its architecture, history, and tradition. Many of Cambridge University's 31 colleges are centuries old, each with its own residential hall, chapel, and lecture halls surrounding peaceful garden courtyards. You can wander among these ancient colleges and chapels on winding cobblestone passageways, through picturesque gardens and meadows, and along the river Cam, enjoying the tranquility of this small, charming city. Or you can explore the bustling markets, unique shops, and historic pubs, watch street performers, or rent a bike and experience the unique energy of this lively university town.

Participants in the program will rehearse and perform with one of the University's finest chapel choirs, the Selwyn College Choir. This choir performs multiple evensong services each week in the Selwyn College Chapel, one of the beautiful college chapels in Cambridge. Interacting with professors and choral scholars from Cambridge will broaden your musical and cultural experiences and create meaningful and long-lasting friendships with student musicians from Cambridge. Rehearsing and performing with this choir will deepen your understanding of choral music and its traditions in the Church of England, and it will strengthen your reading and musicianship skills. Through observation, participation, and discussion with faculty from both UD and Cambridge, you will grow as a singer and as a musician.

For more information, please complete this no-obligation interest form, or reach out directly to Duane Cottrell (dco@udel.edu).

Total cost of the trip is $1699 plus airfare. Program fee includes:

• Seven (7) nights of hostel-style accommodation in Cambridge with private en-suite rooms, individual beds (no shared beds), and full breakfast
• Four (4) nights hostel-style accommodation in London with private en-suite rooms, individual beds (no shared beds), and continental breakfast
• Ground transportation from London to Cambridge and from Cambridge to London
• Choral residency and exchange at Selwyn College at Cambridge University including multiple evensong performances
• Tour of Ely Cathedral including ground transportation
• Admission and tours of major London sites such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London
• Ticket to a popular West-End musical
• GeoBlue health insurance coverage​

Airfare to London (Heathrow) must be individually arranged. A suggested flight will be recommended 3-4 months before travel should you wish to travel with a group. Expected cost of round-trip airfare to London in January is between $600-$900.​

Depending on flight arrival times, we will arrange group travel from Heathrow Airport to Cambridge. If you wish to arrive early, or to a different airport, and/or travel to Cambridge on your own, you may meet us directly in Cambridge. ​

This is a competitive program. To attend, you must write a brief 1-page reflection stating your interest in the program and how you will benefit. In addition, you must pass a musical audition that includes a sight-singing evaluation.

For more information, or to apply, contact Duane Cottrell (dco@udel.edu).​

Expected cost of round trip airfare to London is between $800-$1100.

Application due by May 20, 2023

$699 deposit to reserve your place

Refundable until September 20, 2023

Balance of Program Fee ($1000) due by November 20, 2023​

​Friday, January 19
Arrive in London (Heathrow Airport)
Travel to CambridgeAfternoon Check-in 

Saturday, January 20
Morning: Walking tour of Cambridge
Evening: Attend Evensong at King's College

Sunday, January 21
Morning: Free
Evening: Rehearsal and Epiphany Carol Service at Selwyn College

Monday, January 22
Morning: Excursion to Ely Cathedral with tour
Evening: Free

Tuesday, January 23
Morning: Free
Evening: Rehearsal and Evensong at Selwyn College

Wednesday, January 24
​Free

Thursday, January 25
Morning: Free
Evening: Rehearsal and Evensong at Selwyn College

Friday, January 26
Morning: Travel to London by Train
Afternoon: Check in, explore London

Saturday, January 27
Morning: Tour Westminster Abbey
Afternoon and Evening: West End Show and Dinner

Sunday, January 28
Morning: Tour Tower of London
Evening: Free

Monday, January 29
Explore London 

Tuesday, January 30
Check Out
Return Flight to U.S.​​