Before Marlow instigated the first mixed-voice college choir at Cambridge, the choir had a rich dating back to the establishment of King's Hall by Edward II in 1317 (Chaucer's 'Solar Hall' in the Canterbury Tales). The constitution of the medieval chapel choir remains obscure, but the choral foundation which Mary Tudor established in 1553 (ten choristers, six lay-clerks, four priests, an organist, and a schoolmaster) survived essentially unchanged for over 300 years.

Outside the university term, the Choir enjoys a program of high-profile performances and recordings. The Choir has recorded some 40 CDs, as well as regular radio broadcasts, including the BBC’s annual broadcast from the College Chapel of Choral Evensong or the Epiphany Carol Service. Touring has taken the Choir to destinations including the United States, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Peru, as well as many European cities.

Richard Marlow’s impressive career as a choral conductor and organist began at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied organ (and later became a research fellow) with Thurston Dart.

After teaching at Southampton University, Marlow returned to Cambridge in 1968 as Fellow and Director of Music at Trinity, as well as a lecturer in the University Music Faculty. The following year, Marlow founded the critically acclaimed Cambridge University Chamber Choir. He disbanded the group in 1989 to devote more time to his recently formed mixed choir of Trinity College.

In addition to his teaching and choral work, Marlow has been active as an editor, scholar and journalist. He has also conducted, lectured and given harpsichord and organ recitals in international venues, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, the United States and throughout Europe. Marlow also records frequently as an organ soloist and choir director, and has been a visiting professor at universities in Tokyo, Texas, New England and New Zealand.