Oriel College Chapel Choir sings two major services each week in term: Choral Evensong on Sundays at 6pm and Choral Communion on Wednesday at 6pm. It also sings at special services during the academic year and goes on tour each summer. Recent tours have been to Milan, Munich and Prague.
The Choir’s repertoire of sacred music ranges from the 16th to the 21st centuries. It is an excellent mixed-voice choir with about 30 members, eight of whom are Choral Scholars. While most of its members are from Oriel, people from other colleges are always very welcome to audition. For more information about the Choir and their activities, contact the Director of Music, Dr David Maw.
Organ and Choral Scholarships
The College offers two Organ Scholarships and eight Choral Scholarships. Organ Scholars at Oriel may read for most but not all degree subjects offered at the College. The Faculty of Music holds annual open days, usually in April each year – more details are available on the Faculty of Music website.
For further information and to download an application form, visit the Faculty of Music website. There are also places in the Choir by audition for those who are not Scholars.
Choral Scholarships
Choral Scholars form the nucleus of the Choir and are expected to take a leadership role in its smooth operation. The College offers two to three Choral Scholarships each year to intending undergraduate applicants. Choral Scholars may read for any degree subject offered by the College. Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of vocal merit, but are subject to academic admittance. In addition to Scholar status and a stipend, they receive regular individual and group voice lessons.
Organ Scholarships
The Organ Scholars are undergraduate members of the College. They are responsible for playing at Chapel services, taking rehearsals and assisting the Director of Music with the running of the Choir. They are also expected to play at additional services such as weddings, memorial services and ‘gaudies’ (meetings of old College members), which often occur outside of full term. In addition to Scholar status, they receive a stipend, regular organ and conducting lessons along with on-site accommodation, specialized for scholars to carry out their duties.
Please note that Organ Scholars are only accepted in some subjects (see list below).