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Castle Chapel Choir to record album in memory of alumnus David Knowles

23 April 2025
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Group of students gowned in black robes standing in a choir formation holding music folders. They are standing in St Peter’s Basilica.

The Chapel Choir of University College are embarking on an ambitious and heartfelt project to record a new album in memory of Telegraph journalist David Knowles (BA in Theology, University College, 2010-14; MA in Biblical Studies, College of St Hild and St Bede, 2014-16), who sadly died in September last year. David was a much-loved Castle alumnus and talented musician whose warmth, generosity and passion for storytelling left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Among his many talents, David was an active member of the Castle Chapel Choir during his time at Durham. To honour his contributions to College life and his enduring legacy, the current Chapel Choir will record a professional album of music, in collaboration with David’s friends, family and the wider University community. The choir is aiming to produce a well-rounded, diverse disc of music that will be enjoyed by the choir, listeners, and promotes Durham’s musical landscape and its legacy. It will champion lesser-known, and unrecorded works and offer an inspiring, uplifting celebration of sacred music.   

One of David’s University friends, alumnus Ben Rowarth (Music, 2010-13), will be composing a piece dedicated to him as part of the CD. 

This project will mark the Choir’s first recording since before the COVID-19 pandemic and comes at a time of musical flourishing. Their recent UK and Italy tour included performances in some of the world’s most renowned sacred spaces, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, and the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica. 

The album will be recorded at the stunning St Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw College. A breath-taking venue whose acoustics and organ are perfectly suited to the Choir’s repertoire. The Choir will partner with the prestigious label Convivium Records, known for spotlighting emerging British talent, ensuring the project gains national exposure and reaches new audiences. 

We are delighted to share that the core elements of the project are now fully funded. Any funding raised beyond the target will be directed towards outreach activities by the Chapel Choir and support for Ukrainian students and academics at Durham – a fitting nod to David’s journalism and humanitarian values. 

As Castle continues to nurture choral excellence, this recording project stands as a powerful symbol of community, creativity, and remembrance. We are very much looking forward to listening to the final product. It is hoped that the album will be ready for release at the end of 2025 or early 2026. 

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