Following the decision to disband its choir, the mixed-gender St John’s Voices, students of Cambridge University have issued an open letter to the council of St John’s College which has been publicly supported by a number of notable individuals, including Alexander Armstrong, Gareth Malone and Aled Jones.

Stating that the decision was unanimous and reflected student’s feedback on their needs and aspirations, the council said ‘Students’ preferences and experiences in music today are different from those of previous generations, and many of them have had fewer musical opportunities in school than might have been the case in the past,’ the statement goes on to say ‘St John’s will create new co-curricular music programmes to meet these changing needs.’ These aforementioned new music programmes will consist of music lessons for all St John’s students, music masterclasses from visiting and local professionals and new opportunities for non-auditioned singing. It is proposed that the budget for these programmes will come directly from the money currently allocated to the St John’s Voices.

The announcement of this decision by the council has sparked outrage amongst the musical community and has provoked a number of industry professionals to voices their opinions. One of whom being Anna Lapwood, previous Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge who tweeted 'I'm devastated to read this. What Graham Walker (Director of Music) has achieved with St Johns Voices is simply extraordinary; why get rid of one of the best mixed voice choirs in Cambridge? Particularly sad given the strides they have made towards gender equality in St John’s College Choir; accepting girl choristers doesn't eliminate the need for more opportunities for adult sopranos. It feels a bit like they're giving with one hand and taking away with the other. Please reconsider this decision, St John’s College, Cambridge.’

A petition to save the St John’s Voices is available to sign through their website. At the time of writing, it has 13,577 signatures.