Delaware Cambridge Choral Exchange

​​The Delaware Cambridge Choral Exchange is a 13-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 reach out directly to Duane Cottrell (dco@udel.edu).

The total cost of the trip is $1899 plus airfare. The program fee includes:

In London

• Four (4) nights of hostel-style accommodation in London in a private en-suite room with individual beds (no shared beds)
• Performance at Sunday Morning High Mass at St. Mary's Bourne Street
• Guided tour of London
• Admission and “Beefeater" tour of the Tower of London
• Ticket to a popular West-End musical
• Attend Evensong at historic St. Paul's Cathedral
• Attend Evensong at Westminster Cathedral
• Ground transportation between London and Cambridge
• One (1) night hotel accommodation near Heathrow airport before departure day

In Cambridge

• Seven (7) nights of hostel-style accommodation in Cambridge in a private en-suite room with individual beds (no shared beds)
• Choral residency and exchange at Selwyn College at Cambridge University, including multiple evensong performances
• Tour of Ely Cathedral, including ground transportation from Cambridge
• Attend various services at King's College, St. John's College, Jesus College, Pembroke College, and others
• Tickets to the Cambridge University Musical Society's Choral Concert
• Formal Dinner in Historic Selwyn College
• Ground transportation from Cambridge to London​
  

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

Depending on flight arrival times, we will arrange a meeting point at either Heathrow Airport or elsewhere in London. If you wish to arrive early or at a different airport, you may meet us at the accommodation in London.​

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 may be required to pass a musical audition that includes a sight-singing evaluation.​

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

Application and deposit ($899) due by September 20, 2024

Balance of Program Fee ($1000) due by November 20, 2024​

​​Saturday, January 18

Arrive in London (Heathrow Airport)
Afternoon: Check-in, explore London

Sunday, January 19
Morning: Service at St Mary's Bourne Street
Evening: Welcome Dinner

Monday, January 20
Morning: Tour Tower of London
Evening: Free

Tuesday, January 21
London City Tour
Evening: West End Show

Wednesday, January 22
Travel to Cambridge
Afternoon Check-in

Thursday, January 23
Morning: Walking tour of Cambridge
Evening: Rehearsal and Evensong at Selwyn College

Friday, January 24
Morning: Excursion to Ely Cathedral with a tour
Evening: Attend Evensong at St. John's or King's (optional)

Saturday, January 25
Morning: Free
Evening: Attend CUMS Concert

Sunday, January 26
Morning: Free
Evening: Rehearsal and Evensong at Selwyn College, followed by chapel supper

Monday, January 27
Morning: Free
Evening: Attend evensong at King's or St. John's (optional)

Tuesday, January 28
Morning: Free
Evening: Rehearsal and Evensong at Selwyn College, followed by Formal Hall Dinner

Wednesday, January 29
Check Out of Cambridge
Travel to London

Thursday, January 30
Check Out of Airport Hotel
Return Flight to the U.S​