Major Churches music conference to take place in Cambridge this June
Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge will host a one-day conference on Saturday 13 June 2026 for church musicians and clergy responsible for music in major churches and in churches with a strong traditional choral music programme.
The conference will focus on three main areas – recruitment of choristers and adult singers, fundraising and grant applications, and vocal health – with the day bringing together speakers, panel discussions, workshops and opportunities for wider sector discussion.
Delegates arriving early will be able to enjoy a tour and demonstration of the 1698 Father Smith University Organ with Stanley Godfrey, Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Great St Mary’s, before the formal programme begins.
The keynote address, Why music in major churches matters, will be given by Carl Jackson MVO, former Director of Music at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.
Sessions will explore recruitment to church choirs, with contributions from Simon Toyne, Executive Director of Music at the David Ross Education Trust and former Director of Music at All Saints’ Church, Kingston, David Fawcett, Assistant Director of Music at St Mary’s, Swanage, and Tom Daggett, Director of Music and Schools Singing Programme at Sheffield Cathedral.
A panel discussion will also feature Hugh Morris, Director of the Royal School of Church Music, Alexander Berry, Director of Music at Great St Mary’s, and Jem Lowther, Director of Music at All Saints’ Church, Northampton.
Helen Groves, voice coach at Great St Mary’s, will lead an interactive workshop on vocal health for choristers, teenagers and adult singers.
Programme sessions on fundraising and grant applications include presentations from Hugh Morris, Ruth Massey, Director of Music at Ranby House School.
The day will conclude with Choral Evensong sung by members of Great St Mary’s Choir and conference delegates, conducted by Alexander Berry.