Brasenose is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Newell as the College's first Director of Music. The post is designed to build on the work Nick Prozzillo has done as Graduate Director of Music, giving the college the benefit of an experienced musician supervising not only the choir and chapel music, but also our concerts (professional and amateur) and our wider musical life.
Jonathan is a vastly experienced organist and choral trainer. A graduate of Durham University, where he was the Organ Scholar of University College, he holds diplomas in organ playing and choir training from the Royal College of Organists, London and Trinity College, London. He also holds an M.A. in Choral Education from the University of Surrey. As well as experience in the UK, Jonathan has worked abroad - in Norway, running the music in five churches; in Cairo, he was Director of Music at the British International School; in Vienna, he even founded a chamber choir which performed at the Sturm-Graz F.C. Christmas party. Since 2009, he has been the Chief Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Diploma in music.
The college was deeply saddened by the sudden
death this term of Michael Taylor, our Head Porter. Mike had been with us since 1992, and became
a much-loved (even iconic) figure in college life. He was generally the first person visitors
and freshers met; and upheld the dignity of his position without ever losing
his sense of humour at the occasional absurdities of lodge life. He is survived by his wife Pat, daughter
Juli, son Joe and granddaughter Annabel.