The Downing Arts Podcast

PhD student Orlando Timmerman discusses how he fell into producing his first play.-=-=-=-Cover image credit Orlando Timmerman.-=-=-=-Thursday 14 & Friday 15 May, Howard Theatre, 7pm: 'A Very Divine Election'. Tickets available here.Monday 18 May, 6.15pm, Chapel: Commemoration of Benefactors-=-=-=-Thursday 14 - Saturday 16 May, ADC Theatre, 7.45pm: 'Scenes from the Climate Era'. Tickets available here.-=-=-=-Interviewees wanted for next term! If you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

We hear from Dr Aram Mooradian about his creative architectural projects.-=-=-=-Cover image 'Gyumri (historical centre)', credit O'micron, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.-=-=-=-Thursday 7 May, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: Lowering stress with artThursday 7 May, 9pm, Chapel: Choral ComplineSunday 10 May, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 11 May, 6-6.30pm, Music Office T staircase: 'Take-a-Break' ChoirFriday 1 May - Sunday 10 May, Heong Gallery: Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize Exhibition-=-=-=-Interviewees wanted for next term! If you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

We celebrate the launch of the Leaves and catch up on Creative Arts activities in college.-=-=-=-Cover image copyright Paula Heister 2023.-=-=-=-Sunday 3 May, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 4 May, 6-6.30pm, Music Office T staircase: 'Take-a-Break' ChoirThursday 7 May, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: Stress-lowering session with creative mediaFriday 1 May - Sunday 10 May, Heong Gallery: Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize Exhibition-=-=-=-Interviewees wanted for next term! If you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

College Archivist Jenny Ulph reveals a surprising musical history at Downing.-=-=-=-Cover image Music Society programme, 1896.-=-=-=-Friday 20 March, 4-6pm & 6-7pm, E-staircase Music Room: DCMS Jasdeep Singh lecture and concert. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jasdeep-singh-concert-masterclass-tickets-1984636075928Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-If you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

The curator of the new exhibition in the Heong Gallery, 'Tudor Contemporary', gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.-=-=-=-Cover image copyright Mat Collishaw.-=-=-=-Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: A Festival of New Writing. Tickets available here.Sunday 15 March, 8pm, Chapel: The Chapel Choir perform Mozart's Requiem in concert. Sold out; waiting list for tickets is here.Monday 16 March, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Chaplain's talk on the Church of England as a 'Global' Church.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear all about the forthcoming Festival of New Writing.-=-=-=-Cover image copyright Downing Dramatic Society.-=-=-=-Thursday 5 March, 5pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongThursday 5 March, 5pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS Recital of Violin & Piano musicSaturday 7 March, 5-6pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS/Downing Arts Percussion Extravaganza concert. Tickets free for Downing members, available here.Sunday 8 March, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongThursday 12 - Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: A Festival of New Writing. Tickets available here.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

Third-year Computer Scientist Bryan Abi Karam chats about his work as a photographer.-=-=-=-Cover image in the public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 26, Friday 27, and Saturday 28 February, 7.15pm, Howard Theatre: DDS Freshers' Play 'After Juliet'. Tickets available here.Saturday 28 February, 5-6pm, Howard Assembly Room: Piano Showcase Concert featuring Danny Driver. Tickets free for Downing members.Sunday 1 March, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EucharistMonday 2 March, 6pm, Chapel: Fisher House MassTuesday 3 March 12.30-1pm, Heong Gallery: Curator's Lunchtime Tour, 'Tudor Contemporary'. Booking not required.Tuesday 3 March, 5-7pm, Heong Gallery: Life Drawing Class. Book your place here.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

Dr Ewan Jones discusses his recently-published novel, and how he's trying to revive a centuries-old artistic practice.-=-=-=-Cover image credit Irene Martinez Costa/TW.-=-=-=-Thursday 19 February, 5.30pm, Ely Cathedral: The Chapel Choir sing EvensongSunday 22 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'A Musical Church'.Tuesday 24 February, 5.30pm, Assembly Room: DCMS Lent Term Open Recital-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

House Porter Gustavo Ávila chats about his favourite film.-=-=-=-Cover image in the public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 12 February, 9-9.30pm, Chapel: Come and Sing ComplineSunday 15 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'A Spiritual Church'.Tuesday 17 February, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Life-drawing class. Downing students only. Book your free spot here.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

Third-year HSPS student Ivan Ampiah discusses his love of Musical Theatre.-=-=-=-Thursday 5 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS Chapel Choir Members' RecitalSaturday 7 & Sunday 8 February, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: DDS production 'Send in the Clowns'. Tickets available here.Saturday 7 February, 9pm, JCR: Cambridge Bands play to raise money for Breast Cancer. Tickets available here. (*Choose the option “Don’t support Collctiv” from the drop-down menu!*)Sunday 8 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'An English-speaking Church'. All welcome.Tuesday 10 February, 2.30-3.30pm, Chapel: Tour of the Organ, just drop in.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

We catch up with recent Downing alumnus and professional guitarist Declan Hickey.Cover image credit Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Thursday 29 January, 9pm, Chapel: Choral ComplineFriday 30 January, 11am-12pm, Wilkins Room: Qi Gong movement workshop in association with the Gallery's current exhibition. Click here to find out more.Friday 30 January, 5-6.30pm, Howard Theatre: 'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition Panel Discussion. Free tickets bookable here.Friday 30 January, 9.30pm, JCR: DCMS Open Mic NightSunday 1 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral Evensong for the Feast of Candlemas.Monday 2 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'What is the Church of England?' All welcome.Monday 2 February, 7-9pm, JCR: Danby Society Estimating Evening with Dr Hamish Symington. Free pizza and a prize for the winning team.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

Head of Academic Skills, Dr Hamish Symington, chats about his alter ego as a cryptic crossword setter.Cover image released under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Deed.-=-=-=-Sunday 25 January, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 26 January, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: 'Through the Gap' Creative Workshop. Space is limited and booking is essential. Email [email protected].'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].

In this Bridgemas Special episode, we're joined by new band Cash Only, as well as Honorary Fellow and former Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, Martin Baker.Cover image copyright Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: 'The Leaves'. Email [email protected] & Fellows' Carol Service, Monday 15 December: If you would like to sing in the scratch choir, or give a reading, please email [email protected] you'd like to be interviewed for the Lent term series of the Arts Podcast, email [email protected].

Purchasing & Stores Manager David Stroud tells the story of his first encounter with 'Alien'.Cover image by Jacob-the-fox-critic, licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.-=-=-=-Thursday 27, Friday 28, and Saturday 29 November, 7.15pm, Howard Theatre: DDS Christmas Comedy Show. Tickets available here.Friday 28 November, 3-4pm, E-Staircase Music Room: Juggling Workshop with Guinness World Record-holder James Cozens. Tickets available here.Friday 28 November, 5pm, E-Staircase Music Room: Piano Recital by Tom Yang.Saturday 29 November, 9-11pm, JCR: Christmas Jazz with Downing Jazz Band.Sunday 30 November, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Q&A with James McDermott. Tickets available here.Sunday 30 November, 6pm, Chapel: Advent Carol Service. Queue early to avoid disappointment.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Call for applications: DDS Freshers' Play Director & Producer. If you are interested in either of these roles, please email [email protected] for submissions: 'The Leaves'. Email [email protected] & Fellows' Carol Service, Monday 15 December: If you would like to sing in the scratch choir, or give a reading, please email [email protected]

PhD student Remi Poulard discusses his favourite book.Cover image: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 20 November, 9pm, Chapel: Choral Compline, followed by port and hot chocolate.Sunday 23 November, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 24 November, 7.30pm, Chapel: DCMS Organ Recital.Tuesday 25 November, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: Life Drawing. Register via Eventbrite.Tuesday 25 November, 9pm, Chapel: Come & Sing Compline.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Sunday 23 November, 1pm, St Andrew's, Leytonstone, E11 1JD: Downing alumnus Declan Hickey performs with Lizzie Knatt. More details available here.

Visiting Scholar Demetrius Floudas enthuses about the Mask of Agamemnon, and we hear from one of the directors of this week's DDS show, 'An Evening with Chekhov.'Cover image: Xuan Che, 'Mask of Agamemnon', licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.-=-=-=-Thursday 13 November, 6pm, Emmanuel College Chapel: The Chapel Choir join forces with our friends across the road for a Choral Eucharist featuring Langlais' 'Messe Solennelle'.Thursday 13, Friday 14, and Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: DDS present 'An Evening with Chekhov'. Tickets available here.Sunday 16 November, 5.30pm, Chapel: Former Organ Scholar Carl Jackson returns to give a short recital, which will be followed by a Choral Eucharist. Tickets available here.Monday 17 November, 5pm, Heong Gallery: Artist Talk with Jerusha West, whose work links with themes of the current Gallery exhibition. Email fl452 for more details.Monday 17 November, 6pm, Music Office, T staircase: Session for beginner singers. Email college.music@dow for more information.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.

Third-year Art Historian Apple Sershi reveals why the devil in art is so fascinating.Cover image: detail from Bartolomé Bermejo (1440-1500) 'St Michael Triumphs over the Devil', photo credit Sailko (1 March 2017), licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.-=-=-=-Friday 7 November, 7pm, Paddock: Fireworks display. Free to Downing members and guests. Refreshments on sale.Friday 7 November, 9pm, JCR: 'Week Five Blues' by the Downing Jazz Band.Saturday 8 November, 7pm, Howard Theatre: DCMS presents 'Big Band Roulette'. Free tickets for Downing students: use code BINGEWATCH. (Space is limited so please only book if you actually intend to come.)Sunday 9 November, 10.55am, I-staircase War Memorial: Annual Remembrance Sunday Service, with laying of wreaths and singing from the Chapel Choir.Tuesday 11 November, 9pm, Chapel: Come-and-Sing Compline, all welcome.Wednesday 12 November, 8pm, E-staircase Music Room: Freshers' Recital. All welcome to come and listen. If you're a Fresher and you'd like to perform, please sign up here.-=-=-=-Wednesday 8 November, 7pm, St Cuthbert's, Clungunford, SY7 0PS: 'Strings, Still Lifes, and Scenery, a programme of glittering new works for violin(s) and guitar, performed by Downing alumnus Declan Hickey and friends.

Downing's Creative Arts Co-ordinator Fran Rothwell-Hughes introduces the new Gallery Exhibition 'A Gap in the Clouds'.Cover photo: Edvard Munch, Melancholy, 1902. Woodcut, 38.2-38.5 x 45.5-49.5cm. Private collection, Norway. Photograph: Sidsel de Jong.-=-=-=-Thursday 30 October, 12.30-1pm, Gallery: Curator's Tour 'A Gap in the Clouds'. All welcome; booking not required.Sunday 2 November, 6pm, Chapel: Evensong for All Saints, sung by the Chapel Choir. Music by Stanford and Harris.Monday 3 November, 6-6.30pm, Music Office T staircase: Session for beginner singers. Email college.music@dow if you'd like to come along.Monday 3 November, 6-8pm, Gallery: Creative workshop with art therapist Honorata. Booking essential: email [email protected]=-=-=-Saturday 1 November, 5pm, Falcons Deli, AL9 5JD: 'Schubertiade' with Declan Hickey and Daniel Gilchrist. A 19th-century programme of songs by Chopin and Moniuszko. Tickets £5 available from [email protected].

Continuing last week's law-related theme, masters student Tiffany Tivasuradej discusses Agatha Christie's play 'Witness for the Prosection'.Cover photo by TomasEE, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.-=-=-=-Thursday 23 October, 9-9.30pm, Chapel: Choral Compline, followed by port and hot chocolate.Saturday 25 October, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Informal performance of Vivaldi's 'Gloria'.Sunday 26 October, 6pm, Chapel: Evensong sung by the Chapel Choir. Music by Grayston Ives and Will Todd.Monday 27 October, 6-6.30pm, Music Office T staircase: Session for beginner singers. Email college.music@dow if you'd like to come along.Wednesday 29 October, 8-9pm, Master's Lodge: DCMS Recital.

The Master Professor Graham Virgo discusses his favourite film.Cover image copyright Eva Rinaldi, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic licence.-=-=-=-Friday 17 October, 9-11pm, JCR: DCMS Open mic. Check out the Instagram page for details. @downingcollegemusicsocietySunday 19 October, 6pm, Chapel: Evensong sung by the Chapel Choir. Music by Orlando Gibbons and John Stanley.11 September - 19 October, Heong Gallery: Revealing (In)visible Times exhibition. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/heong-gallery/revealing-invisible-times-=-=-=-Wednesday 15 October - Saturday 18 October, Corpus Playroom: 1816: The Year Without a Summer. www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/musical/1816-the-year-without-a-summer/

Downing alumna Natasha Atkinson and fourth-year Trinity student Nat Riches chat about their show '1816: The Year Without a Summer', currently touring the UK.Cover image copyright Nat Riches and Natasha Atkinson.-=-=-=-Thursday 9 October, 6-6.45pm, Chapel: Welcome Evensong for Postgraduate Freshers.Sunday 12 October, 6pm, Chapel: Evensong sung by the Chapel Choir. Music by Thomas Tallis.Sunday 12 October, 8pm, JCR: DCMS jamming session with Downing College Jazz Band.11 September - 19 October, Heong Gallery: Revealing (In)visible Times exhibition. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/heong-gallery/revealing-invisible-times-=-=-=-Wednesday 15 October - Saturday 18 October, Corpus Playroom: 1816: The Year Without a Summer. www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/musical/1816-the-year-without-a-summer/

Downing Freshers' Reps: Mercedes van Niekerk, Mia Lee, Edward Campbell, and Bwalya Kalusa.@downingfreshers2025 / @downingfreshersplay / @downingdramaticsociety_Email: [email protected]=-=-=-Downing College Music Society: Ria Sood (President) & Lola Pesskin (Vice-president).@downingcollegemusicsociety / @downingjazzbandEmail: [email protected]=-=-=-The Chapel Choir of Downing [email protected]/about/chapel-downing-college/chapel-choirEmail Matthew Chanwai, Organ Scholar: [email protected]=-=-=-Cover image copyright Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Tuesday 7 October, 6-6.45pm, Chapel: Undergraduate Freshers' EvensongThursday 9 October, 6-6.45pm, Chapel: Postgraduate Freshers' Evensong11 September - 19 October, Heong Gallery: Revealing (In)visible Times exhibition. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/heong-gallery/revealing-invisible-times

A feature-length episode to finish off this first series of the Downing Arts Podcast. We catch up with departing Organ Scholar Dominic Remedios, and meet up with Dr Bonnie Lander-Johnson to discuss her recently published book, plus a special interview with alumnus Chris Dickins, current star of 'Mamma Mia!'.-=-=-=-Thursday 26 June, 5.30-6.30pm, Heong Gallery: Gillian Ayres' favourite music is performed in the setting of the current exhibition.Friday 27 June, 2-3pm, Master's Lodge: Downing College Music Society May Week Concert, followed by refreshments.-=-=-=-'Vanishing Landscapes' by Dr Bonnie Lander Johnson: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/bonnie-lander-johnson/vanishing-landscapes/9781399731546/'Mamma Mia' at the Novello Theatre: https://mamma-mia.com/-=-=-=-Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this series. If you would like to take part in the Michaelmas Term series of the podcast, please email [email protected].

DDS President Lily Ellis and May Week Show producer Joe Short discuss the forthcoming production of 'As You Like it', and the Griffin Singers chat all things Barbershop.Cover image copyright Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Interviewees: Lily Ellis (third-year Education student) & Joe Short (third-year English student); Griffin Singers Barbershop Quartet: Dominic Remedios (MPhil, Geography), George Jackson (third-year musician), Joe Davies (second-year lawyer), Harry Barker (fifth-year medical student).-=-=-=-Thursday 19 June, 5.30pm, Chapel: Chapel Choir May Week Recital. Free Admission.Thursday 19 & Friday 20 June, 6pm, East Lodge Garden: DDS presents Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'. Tickets available here: www.dds.tessera.events/tickets/as-you-like-itSaturday 21 June, 3.15-4pm, Chapel: Dominic Remedios & Matthew Chanwai give a short organ recital for Donors' Day.Saturday 21 June, 4pm, East Lodge Garden: DCMS presents Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'. Tickets available here: www.dds.tessera.events/tickets/as-you-like-itThursday 26 June, 5.30pm, Heong Gallery: Exhibition viewing with members of the Chapel Choir singing Gillian Ayres's favourite music.Friday 27 June, 2-3pm, Master's Lodge: DCMS May Week Recital. Followed by refreshments. Free admission.

First-year engineer James Waine tells us about the epic outdoor theatre Kynren, for which he volunteers every summer. www.11arches.comCover image copyright Neil Milburn.-=-=-=-Friday 13 June, 12.30-1pm, Heong Gallery: Staff & students' tours of the Gillian Ayres Exhibition. Email gallery@dow to book your place.Saturday 14 June, 8.30pm, Howard Theatre: Footlights Stand-Up Showcase. Tickets available from the ADC: www.adcticketing.com/whats-on/comedy/footlights-stand-up-showcaseSunday 15 June, 6-7pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 16 June, 8pm, Chapel: DCMS presents Schubert's String Quintet in C Major. Free entry.Thursday 19 June, 5.30-6.30pm, Chapel: Chapel Choir May Week RecitalThursday 19 June, 6pm, East Lodge Garden: DDS presents Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'. Tickets available here: www.dds.tessera.events/tickets/as-you-like-it-=-=-=-Downing Alumni Association Photographic Competition: deadline Sunday 15 June. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/people/downing-college-alumni-association/news-and-events

Curator Martin Gayford talks about Gillian Ayres and the new exhibition, and fifth-year medic James Bibey discusses his favourite piece of music.Cover image copyright Keith Eyeons.Interview with James Bibey recorded April 2025.-=-=-=-Martin Gayford has written prolifically about art and jazz, contributing regularly to the Daily Telegraph and to many art magazines and exhibition catalogues. He was art critic of the Spectator 1994-2002 and subsequently of the Sunday Telegraph before becoming chief art critic for Bloomberg News until 2013. He can be found on Instagram @gayfordmartin.What can be done with painting: Gillian Ayres in the ‘70s at the Heong Gallery at Downing College, Cambridge, reveals an overlooked period in the career of a major British painter. Gillian Ayres (1930–2018) played a key role in the development of post-war British abstract art, and is celebrated for her bold colours and expressive, gestural forms. She believed that her art was, above all, “about what can be done with painting”.https://dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/heong-gallery/what-can-be-done-painting-gillian-ayres-70s-=-=-=-from Friday 6 June, Heong Gallery: Gillian Ayres ExhibitionSunday 8 June, 6-7pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 June, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Take-a-Break Choir-=-=-=-Saturday 7 June, 6pm, St Mary-at-Finchley Church, London, N3 1TR: 'Voyages', a guitar and recorder recital featuring Downing alumnus Declan Hickey. Free entry.

We catch up with third-year student Tomos Davies, currently on his year abroad in Peru, chatting travel and photography.Cover image copyright Tomos Davies.-=-=-=-Thursday 29 May, 5.30-7.30pm, Howard Theatre: Film screening "A History of the Present". Tickets may be booked here: https://tinyurl.com/2asy9z6a.Thursday 29 May, 9.30-10pm, Chapel: Choral ComplineSunday 1 June, 6-7pm, Chapel: Choral EucharistMonday 2 June, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Take-a-Break ChoirFriday 6 June, Heong Gallery: Gillian Ayres Exhibition opens

First-year medical student Bede Doe gives his take on the Paddington film trilogy.Cover image "Paddington", Paddington Bear, Paddington Station by Oast House Archive. File licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en.-=-=-=-Thursday 22 May, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Film screening "A glimpse of Venice in Cambridge". Spaces are limited so please sign up on Eventbrite.Sunday 25 May, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongThursday 29 May, 5.30-7.30pm, Howard Theatre: Film screening "A History of the Present"An experimental feminist opera-film about class and conflict, ‘History of the Present’ has been made collaboratively by Maria Fusco and Margaret Salmon, featuring new compositions by Annea Lockwood, libretto by Maria Fusco, and improvisational vocal work by Héloïse Werner. Made on 35mm and video in the streets of Belfast, the Ulster Museum, and the Royal Opera House in London, 'History of the Present' observes how defensive architecture defines movement to enforce intersectional histories and identities within daily experiences in conflict and post-conflict zones on an international level. Tickets may be booked here: https://tinyurl.com/2asy9z6a.-=-=-=-28 May: Declan Hickey performs in duet with Michael Matthews https://stmarym.org.uk/concerts/30 May: Declan Hickey performs as part of the Early Music Shop Recorder Festival https://www.declanhickey.com/2025

Imi Barnes and Denise Robalo chat about their experiences on the Advanced Popular Performance Scheme.Cover photo copyright Sarah Higgins.-=-=-=-The Advanced Popular Performance Scheme is a new initiative from the Centre for Music Performance that has been created to promote excellence in popular music at the University of Cambridge.The scheme supports four student bands and four vocalists with professional coaching and performance opportunities to enable them to progress their musicianship to the highest possible standard.@girlbandcambridge@lostprojects_-=-=-=-Thursday 15 May, 6.15pm, Heong Gallery: Artist-led Sand-painting WorkshopSunday 18 May, 6.15pm Chapel: Commemoration of BenefactorsMonday 12 May, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Take-a-Break ChoirThursday 22 May, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Film screening "A glimpse of Venice in Cambridge". Spaces are limited so please sign up on Eventbrite.-=-=-=-The Judy C. Petty Prize for Music & the Creative Arts, and the John Treherne Prize for Creative Writing: https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/current-students/finances-bursaries-and-awards/college-scholarships-and-prizes

Alumnus competition success and a chat with cellist Adrian Tsui about the music scene in Hong Kong.Cover photo copyright Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Adrian Tsui studied on the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts' youth programme for seven years, before continuing his musical development at the Royal Academy of Music (London, UK) with Professor Lionel Handy. In 2020 he was awarded the Prince Philip Scholarship to read Natural Sciences at Downing College, Cambridge, and besides his degree studies fully immersed himself in College and University Music scenes. He was awarded the Judy C. Petty Prize for Music and the Arts in 2023. Following graduation Adrian returned to Hong Kong to study graduate medicine and to take up a research post at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He became Principal Cello of the Hong Kong Medical Association Orchestra in 2024 and will be performing the Elgar Cello Concerto as soloist in August 2025.-=-=-=-Sunday 11 May, 6-7pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 12 May, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Take-a-Break ChoirTuesday 13 May, 5.30-6.30pm, E-staircase Music Room: DCMS Vocal Recital-=-=-=-13 & 14 May: Mothership (Work in Progress) https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/mothership/28 May: Declan Hickey performs in duet with Michael Matthews https://stmarym.org.uk/concerts/30 May: Declan Hickey performs as part of the Early Music Shop Recorder Festival https://www.declanhickey.com/2025

We reveal the winners of the Twining Egginton Prize in Fine Arts, before meeting Dr Rachel Coombes, Keeper of the Heong Gallery. Nick and Sara Rawlinson chat about the recent Magma Rising exhibition.Cover image copyright Sara Rawlinson.-=-=-=-Dr Rachel Coombes specialises in the visual and musical culture of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century France. Her broader research interests lie in the interrelationships between the visual arts and music, the role of these arts within collective and cultural memory, and the ways in which the practice of these arts is informed by religion and politics.Since completing his PhD in 2001, Professor Nick Rawlinson has undertaken a broad range of research in seismology, Earth imaging and tectonophysics. He is particularly interested in developing and applying new methods to large seismic datasets in order to improve our understanding of Earth structure and processes.Sara Rawlinson is a contemporary photographer specialising in both abstract fine art and heritage architecture. She has had a camera in her hands most days since she was six years old. She spent a decade in academia, teaching seismology and natural hazards, before returning to her childhood love of photography in 2013. Her academic years still heavily influence her photography – often showcasing textures, landscapes, geological features, and geological current events such as sea level rise and volcanic eruptions.www.sararawlinson.com-=-=-=-The Twining Egginton Prize was established in 2014 by Downing alumnus Edward G. Blankenship (Architecture, 1968) in honour of his friend and fellow architect Geoffrey Twining Egginton and his wife, Susan. The prize is awarded each year to any current undergraduate or graduate member of Downing College who has excelled in Fine Arts. For only the second time in its history, the Twining Egginton Prize submissions are currently on display to the public at the college’s contemporary art space, The Heong Gallery. This year, there were over 30 entries from 18 artists, a new record for the prize. The artworks range across photography, ceramics, painting, textiles and more, highlighting the creative talents of the college’s students, who juggle their practice alongside a busy academic schedule. We are very grateful to the art critic and curator Martin Gayford for judging this year’s entries and helping us identify the prize winners among a wide and varied field.The winners of the Twining Egginton Prize for Fine Arts 2025: First prize: Sophia Lin, “With Love” Runner-up prize: Frankie Ratcliffe, “My Hands are a Machine” Runner-up prize: Molly Ollivier, “Kyoto”.-=-=-=-Sunday 4 May, 6-7pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 5 May, 5-5.30pm, Chapel: Take-a-Break ChoirThursday 8 May, 6-7.30pm, Heong Gallery: Creativity for Stress Release. Email Rebecca on [email protected]=-=-=-13 & 14 May: Mothership (Work in Progress) https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/mothership/

Welcome to the first episode of the Downing Arts Podcast! Join us as we launch the Creative Arts Strategy and the Leaves anthology, and discover the winner of the Twining Egginton Prize in Fine Arts.Interviewees: Professor Graham Virgo, Sapphy Dunn, Jude Hughes, and Charlotte Payne.https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts

Hear all about the new Downing Arts podcast!