Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge is one of the most renowned and historic choral groups in the world. Founded in the fifteenth century, it was established to provide daily sung worship in the college's magnificent chapel, which was completed during the reign of Henry VIII. The choir's rich tradition of choral music includes a repertoire spanning sacred works from the Renaissance through to contemporary compositions. The choir is composed of sixteen boy choristers, who are educated at King's College School, and fourteen male undergraduates known as choral scholars, who study various subjects at the University of Cambridge. The ensemble is led by the Director of Music, a role that has been held by many distinguished musicians over the centuries. The Choir of King's College is especially famous for its annual broadcast of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a Christmas Eve tradition that began in 1918 and is heard by millions around the globe. The choir has also produced numerous acclaimed recordings and regularly performs at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide. Its dedication to musical excellence, coupled with its historical significance, has cemented its reputation as one of the most iconic choral institutions in the world.
