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Oriel College choir sings at St Paul’s Cathedral
23 February 2026
Oriel’s chapel choir sang Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral at a special service to mark the Oxford college’s 700th year since foundation in 1326.
More than 100 alumni and their guests were in the 300-strong congregation who watched the choir’s performance.
Oriel College’s Provost, Lord Mendoza, and Chaplain, The Revd Dr Robert Wainwright, previous College chaplains and students read lessons and prayers during the service.
The Provost said about the service: “We’re very grateful to the Dean and the team at St Paul’s Cathedral for welcoming our Chapel Choir and holding a special Evensong.
“Our chapel is a key part of Oriel’s community and musical life.
“I am sure the service will be memorable for our talented choristers, organists and brilliant Director of Music Dr David Maw.”
The choir performed music from their new album, O Maria, virgo pia, recorded with Convivium Records at Keble College Chapel in 2025, during the service.
After the service, a launch of the album was held at a nearby venue.
The album includes music by contemporary composers Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Judith Bingham as well as compositions by historical alumni, such as Herbert Chappell and Edmund Fellowes.
One of the original compositions by Fellowes on the album, ‘Hymn of the Third Choir,’ sets music to a poem by the Oriel theologian Saint John Henry Newman.
The album also includes original compositions by Director of Music Maw.
“It is fitting that the choir should be in such fine voice for the college’s 700th anniversary.” Maw said.
“The performances on the CD recording and at the St Paul’s Evensong testify to the talent, diligence and commitment of the students involved.”
He added: “We are all very grateful to those who support our choir and have made this timely celebration of our musical heritage possible.”
The CD recording was particularly supported by Jeremy Amos (1966), who sponsored the project in memory of his college friend Nicholas Stogdon (1967).
Events to mark Oriel’s 700th anniversary will continue throughout 2026.