Choirs are integral to Oxford’s musical life, offering a rich tapestry of choral music that enhances the city’s cultural landscape. In addition to their musical contributions, choirs often serve important social and cultural functions. And they play a vital role in preserving and promoting musical traditions! So, let’s take a look at Oxford’s choirs.
Choirs can vary greatly in size and scope. Some are small, consisting of just a few singers who focus on intimate, nuanced performances. Others are large and include dozens of members, capable of performing grand, symphonic pieces. Each type of choir—whether it’s a chamber choir, gospel choir, or symphonic choir—brings its own unique character and style to the music it performs.
Notable Oxford Choirs
Choirs enrich the cultural landscape by providing opportunities for shared musical experiences and contributing to both local and global musical heritage. These choirs are integral to Oxford’s musical life, offering a rich tapestry of choral music that enhances the city’s cultural landscape. Here’s the complete list, how to see them, and how to join.
The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral
One of the most renowned choirs in Oxford, the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral has a long history dating back to the 16th century. It performs regular services in the cathedral and is known for its high-quality performances of both traditional and contemporary choral music. The choir is famous for its distinctive sound, which is a blend of boys’ and adult male voices. It also plays a crucial role in the daily life of Christ Church Cathedral.
- Repertoire: The choir’s repertoire includes works from the English choral tradition, as well as pieces from various other periods and styles. They often perform both liturgical music and concert programs.
- Services with the choir: Sunday 11am: Sung Eucharist, 6pm: Evensong. Tuesday–Friday 6pm: Evensong (video). Saturday 6pm: Evensong.
- How to Join 🔗
The Choir of Magdalen College
Magdalen College Choir is one of the oldest and most celebrated choirs in Oxford, with roots extending back to the late 15th century. The choir performs regular services in Magdalen College Chapel and is renowned for its performances of traditional choral music (video). The choir is particularly noted for its Christmas Eve service, which attracts significant attention and showcases their exceptional vocal skills.
- Repertoire: The choir’s repertoire spans from early Renaissance to contemporary choral works. It is known for its interpretations of both sacred and secular music.
- Services with the choir: Sunday: 11am Sung Eucharist, 6pm Choral Evensong. Tuesday 6pm Choral Evening Prayer, 9pm Compline. Wednesday 6pm Choral Evensong. Thursday 6pm Choral Evensong. Friday 6pm Choral Evening Prayer. Saturday 6pm Choral Evensong.
- Contact 🔗
The Choir of New College
The Choir of New College is another esteemed choir in Oxford, with a history dating back to the 14th century. It performs regularly in New College Chapel and is recognized for its contributions to the choral tradition. Known for its rich and vibrant sound, the choir has a strong tradition of excellence and is a key part of New College’s musical life.
- Repertoire: The choir’s repertoire includes a wide range of choral music, from medieval to modern compositions. They also engage in various recordings and performances both locally and internationally.
- Services with the choir: Sunday: 5.45pm Evensong, Monday: 6.15pm Evensong, 9.00pm Compline in weeks 2 & 5. Tuesday: 6.15pm Evensong. Thursday: 6.15pm Vespers or Evensong. Friday: 6.15pm Evensong. Saturday: 5.45pm Evensong or Sung Eucharist.
- How to join 🔗
The Oxford University Choir
The Oxford University Choir comprises students from across the university and is known for its high standard of choral performance. It performs a variety of concerts and services throughout the academic year. As a university choir, it brings together talented singers from various colleges, offering a broad representation of Oxford’s student body.
- Repertoire: The choir performs a diverse range of music, including classical choral works, contemporary pieces, and traditional anthems.
- Performances: Usually starting in November.
- How to join 🔗
The Oxford Bach Choir
The Oxford Bach Choir specialises in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. It is known for its detailed and informed performances of Bach’s music. The choir’s deep expertise in Baroque music and its dedication to high-quality performances make it a standout ensemble in Oxford’s choral scene.
- Repertoire: While focused on Bach, the choir also performs works by other Baroque composers and occasionally explores broader choral repertoire.
- Performances: Throughout the year.
- How to Join 🔗
More Oxford Choirs & Groups
These choirs contribute to the rich tapestry of choral music in Oxford, each bringing its own distinct flavor and focus to the city’s musical landscape.
The Cherwell Singers
The Cherwell Singers are a prominent Oxford-based choir known for their diverse and high-quality performances. They specialize in a wide range of choral music, from classical to contemporary works. The choir consists of talented amateur singers and performs regularly in Oxford and the surrounding areas. They are recognized for their commitment to delivering engaging and polished musical experiences.
Merton College Girl Choristers
The Merton College Girl Choristers are a distinguished choir of young female voices based at Merton College, Oxford. They perform a wide range of choral music, from traditional to modern, and are noted for their exceptional vocal training and contributions to both college services and public performances.
Magdalen College Consort of Voices
The Magdalen College Consort of Voices is a select ensemble from Magdalen College, Oxford, specializing in a broad spectrum of choral music. This group performs both in the college chapel and at various external venues, offering polished interpretations of a wide range of vocal compositions.
Vox Chamber Choir
The Vox Chamber Choir is a versatile ensemble known for its diverse repertoire, ranging from early music to modern compositions. The choir focuses on providing engaging and polished performances and is recognized for its dynamic and intimate approach to choral music.
The Keble College Chapel Choir
The Keble College Chapel Choir, based at Keble College in Oxford, is renowned for its traditional and contemporary choral performances. Comprising students and professional singers, the choir performs regularly in the college chapel and participates in a variety of concerts and services. Known for their high standards and diverse repertoire, they contribute significantly to Oxford’s vibrant musical scene.
Oxford Harmonic Choir
The Oxford Harmonic Choir is known for its performances of classical and modern choral works. Comprising enthusiastic singers from Oxford and the surrounding area, the choir focuses on delivering high-quality renditions of diverse choral repertoire, including major works and contemporary pieces.
The Choir of The Queen's College
This choir, based at The Queen’s College in Oxford, is renowned for its high-quality performances of traditional and contemporary choral music. Composed of both students and professional singers, it regularly performs at the college’s chapel and in various public concerts, maintaining a rich musical heritage.
Oxford Girls' Choir
The Oxford Girls’ Choir, consisting of young female singers, offers a range of performances from classical to contemporary choral music. This choir provides a platform for young talents to develop their skills and perform at various events in Oxford and beyond.
Can’t see your choir listed? Use our contact form to request additions or changes.
