Choral traditions are a fundamental element of University life

The first colleges in the 12th century resembled monasteries. Song was an important ritual of every day. Their statutes obliged them to save souls through worship and song.

Music in the chapels is still an important part of the environment for Oxford students today. Oxford is a hub of choral music. Some colleges are among the best choral ensembles in the world. Candle lit chapels are a rare pleasure in modern times and yet the public are invited in oxford.

The daily services are no longer the several times a day religious rituals they once were, however during term time it is possible to hear a choir of exceptional quality in one or another of the University and College’s chapels and venues every day. Often the public not only welcome but often free of charge.

You will see chorals and recitals, evensong or particular pieces advertised colourfully on the billboards of Broad Street, Catt Street and outside colleges.

New College, Magdalen College and Christ Church Cathedral have particularly strong reputations. Each has a school founded along side them and their choirs include the children’s voices.

The adult choristers include undergraduates and I’ve been told that sweet voiced porters double up as a singers, slipping into a cassock at the end of the day and taking a pew.

The Queen's College and Merton College choirs do not have schools associated them but do have a world class reputation.

Exeter’s College was inspired by Paris’ Saint Chapelle. Exeter is not usually open to the public, not even if you are accompanied by a Green Badge guide, so attending a piece of music there is a double special treat.

Other information?

Outside of term there are still services taking place in Christ Church Cathedral most evenings at 6.05pm.

You may check whether the service is being sung by the cathedral choir (paid professional choir with choristers) or by the (voluntary) cathedral singers but if you have only one day in Oxford the cathedral is a wonderful experience in its own right.

It's also worth checking whether the service will be a service of Evensong or if it will be a Eucharist/Mass; the former tends to be a lot more musical in nature, whereas the latter tends to be more 'musically sparse'.
Evensong generally lasts between 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the music that's being sung. Most chapels ask that you sit in the antechapel if you might need to leave early as this minimises disturbances.
All the details you might need are available on the college websites, which will normally have a 'Chapel and Choir' section. It's best to check this as close to the day as possible in case of time changes.
If you're bringing a larger group of 4 or more people, email the chapel administrator at any of these places as early as you can so they can make sure there's space available for you and your group.
It would be great if you and/or your guests could make a small donation (a few pounds or so would be perfect) at the end of the service; these things aren't cheap to maintain!

It's also worth checking out the other compline services that take place in the city - Keble run a service every Thursday at 9pm during term and Magdalen run one on occasion, which is worth going to. Keep your eyes peeled and hope for some pot luck.

The chapel webpages will give you the necessary details if need them.

Take the tour ?

Colleges, Chapels, Organs and Choirs

In an unforgettable 2.5 hours visit three quite different Oxford colleges with three very different, but equally breathtaking, chapels. Hear about choral foundations, choral scholars and famous organists in a place which is one of the most important centres of the fabulous English choral tradition.

Maximum number of participants: 15

Don’t take our word for it

Here are some great Youtube links …

New College choir has published over 100 albums since it began recording in 1960. In 2010, they launched their own label, Novum, which continues to produce new releases of choral works spanning various genres and historical periods

Their discography includes sacred and classical music, from traditional anthems and Christmas carols to major works by composers like Mozart and Handel. They also sang in the Hogwarts Hymn in Goblets of Fire.

See more of New College choir on their Youtube channel.

Queen’s College, was founded in 1341 in the reign of Edward III

It’s founder, a humble chaplain, wanted to provide an education to poor scholars of #Cumberland.

It’s chapel is a jewel of this 18th century architectural crown boasting an exquisitely carved screen and stucco ceiling.

Come to Queens in term time to enjoy Choral Evensong three times each week! There is also a weekly organ recital open to the public on Wednesday lunchtimes again, duringterm. Details: https://www.queens.ox.ac.uk/chapel-and-choir/.

Why not take the tour ?

Colleges, Chapels, Organs and Choirs

In an unforgettable 2.5 hours visit three quite different Oxford colleges with three very different, but equally breathtaking, chapels. Hear about choral foundations, choral scholars and famous organists in a place which is one of the most important centres of the fabulous English choral tradition.

Maximum number of participants: 15

Learn more