Cambridge University Musical Society

Welcome to the Cambridge University Musical Society

With a Chorus and three orchestras covering a range of musical standards and styles, CUMS caters for a diverse group of over 400 performing members. The society includes many of the University's most talented musicians who are drawn by our 160-year tradition of excellence and our challenging concert programmes.

CUMS offers the chance to make music to a high standard once a week whilst having a lot of fun and forming friendships which often last a lifetime. This year's programme includes world premières of two brand new works of music composed by our members.

A useful four page brochure detailing our programme of music for 2007-08 can be downloaded here. This information can also be found on our online concert calendar.

Rave reviews for CUMS I's Turangalîla-Symphonie

CUMS I's recent performance of Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie has been hailed as "spectacular" and "a great achievement" in the press. Varsity wrote "This notoriously difficult piece was a huge and risky undertaking for the University's first orchestra; they responded with a performance which was not only competent but which overshadowed every previous success I have heard."

Click here to read the reviews

Forthcoming events...

Click here for the full concert programme

News and Features

CUMS Composition Competitions

CUMS announces two composition competitions. One for an overture to be performed by CUMS I conducted by Peter Stark, and the other for a choral piece to be performed by CUMS Chorus. The closing dates are 1st September 2008 and 1st November 2008 respectively. Click here for further details.

CUMS Seeks Orchestral Manager for 2008-9

CUMS is seeking potential candidates for the position of orchestral manager for 2008-9. The role, primarily involving work with CUMS I, would also include other support to the society with, e.g., publicity and organising auditions. Click here for further details.

Launch of the CUMS Supporters' Circle

The CUMS Supporters' Circle - a new group for friends who value the Society's work and wish to contribute towards its future - was launched at a landmark performance of Verdi's Requiem by CUMS I and six Cambridge college choirs on 19 January 2008. Click here to find out about the Circle.

Past news items