Louisa Denby MA MMus PGDip LRSM CRCO

Louisa Denby has held the post of Director of Chapel Music & Organist at St Edmund’s College since 2015. She is Bye-Fellow and Director of Studies in Music at Downing College, where she also directs the Chapel Choir. She lectures and supervises undergraduates reading for the Music Tripos, and is also the Choral Awards Co-ordinator for the University, facilitating and delivering a number of learning and engagement projects each year for school-aged students who are interested in singing.

Outside the University Louisa is in demand as a choral conductor, choir trainer, and animateur, and has worked with choirs of all ages and standards, including a six-month period assisting with the training of the Girl Choristers of Ely Cathedral. In September 2015 she was elected the Joyful Company of Singers Conducting Fellow for the 2015-16 season, including appearances at St Martin-in-the-Fields and Covent Garden, London, and at St Endellion in Cornwall, returning as Assistant Conductor for a tour to Sweden in May 2019.

As a bassoonist Louisa has enjoyed working with many distinguished musicians, including soloists Tasmin Little, David Childs, and Lesley Garrett, and conductors Sakari Oramo, Sir Roger Norrington, and the late Sir Colin Davis. She has performed across the UK, Europe, and North America, and was admitted a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music for bassoon performance in early 2014; recent performances include recitals as part of the British Isles Music Festival in August 2022. She has a major role as CEO & Artistic Director of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, and also serves as Webmaster & Social Media Manager for the British Double Reed Society.

Louisa has broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 as a bassoonist, and on Canadian national radio as a conductor and organist, as well as featuring on several commercial recordings for Priory Records and others.

Louisa is always delighted to hear from anyone in the Eddie’s community who is interested in singing. She can be contacted via chapel-music@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk.