Brasenose College Chapel Choir comprises undergraduate and graduate students from Brasenose, with some members coming from other colleges. It is often celebrated as the most popular and friendly chapel choir in Oxford with a regular membership of between 35 and 45. The choir is particularly proud of its cheerful atmosphere, fostering musical excellence within a constructive and sociable environment. In keeping with this philosophy, no auditions are required and membership of the choir is voluntary. The strong social dynamic leads to regular group events including pizza evenings, trips to bars or pubs, and black-tie dinners. A wine reception is held after each college Evensong on Sundays, following which choir members are offered free ‘formal’ dinner in hall.
Chief among the choir's duties is singing Evensong every Sunday, but it also sings for various special services and events, including two Carol Services, a termly Eucharist, the annual joint service with Lincoln College, intercollegiate Evensong, and other occasions including college feasts and reunions. The choir rehearses every Thursday evening, and takes part in occasional workshops with guidance from vocal experts from around the world.
Brasenose recognises the importance of the college choir through the appointment of up to eight choral scholars and four choral exhibitioners each year, auditions for which take place either at the central trials during the year preceding matriculation, or at the beginning of each academic year. For further details, click here.
Cathedral visits are a regular feature of the choir's activities and the college also supports foreign tours. Recent tours have included two trips to Italy, where the choir sang Mass in three of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas, including St Peter's Basilica. Other recent tours have included trips to Belgium (Ypres and Bruges), and most recently a tour to Germany, performing in Köln and Altenberg Cathedrals.
Choral Award holders at Brasenose College are fortunate to rely on the expert tuition of Stephen Taylor. Anyone interested in joining the Chapel Choir should contact Polina Sosnina, the Director of College Music.
