Johns seek women (in the nicest possible way)

St John’s College Cambridge has bowed to the modern world and agreed to admit girls and women to its celebrated choir.

Founded in the 1670s,tThe Choir of St John’s features around 20 choristers of eight years old and upwards. They sing daily Evensong and Sunday Eucharist in term time.

Andrew Nethsingha, Director of Music, says: ‘Providing an opportunity for girls and women to sing as members of The Choir of St John’s is a very exciting development for the choral tradition of the College. Choral singing is a specialised art form, and our choir has played a formative role in the careers of many globally recognised musicians.

‘Extending membership to talented female singers creates an exceptional new musical opportunity for women and girls, as our much loved choir continues to make a highly valued contribution to the musical life of St John’s and the wider world.’

The jittery PR line is: St John’s College will continue its reputation for musical excellence by featuring male and female voices – both adults and children – in its world-renowned choir for the first time.