Cambridge Churches, College Chapels & Organs

Cambridge, along with Oxford and Edinburgh, boasts more fine organs than any other city in the UK. On this musical exploration we will enjoy several recitals given by our Tour Director, John Bryden, at many of the university’s historical colleges.

We will take in the spectacular Frobenius organ at Robinson, installed in 1980 and one of the most notable instruments in the city. Sidney Sussex, with its fine new Flentrop organ, welcomes us for an afternoon visit, preceded by the beautiful courts and chapel of Jesus College.

A church to both the parish and the University of Cambridge, Great St Mary’s contains two impressive pipe organs, one belonging to the church itself and one to the university. Other highlights of our itinerary include Downing and Emmanuel Colleges, and Christ’s College, which counts John Milton and Charles Darwin among its former students.

No visit to Cambridge would be complete without a chance to sample its world celebrated choral tradition, and our tour will include a visit to King’s College to hear Choral Evensong. Meanwhile, Stapleford Granary, home to the ACE Foundation and ACE Cultural Tours, will be our venue for a beautiful series of piano works by Schumann, Mendelssohn and Rachmaninov, presented by Clare Hammond.

We will stay throughout at Cambridge’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which enjoys a riverside city centre location. As access to the colleges is subject to availability, we cannot confirm some visits until nearer the time.

This tour will be led by international concert pianist and organist John Bryden, MA. John studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and is an experienced classical music lecturer.