Michaelmas Term 2021: 

We are very pleased to have the full choir back singing seven services a week this term, and to be able to welcome members of the public as well as members of college and their guests. There is no need to book except for a few special services, or for groups of 10 or more, who should email chapel.administrator@new.ox.ac.uk. We will be unable to admit groups that have not pre-booked. Please wear a face covering if you are able. Service plans may change as the covid situation develops.

We're also very excited that our termly Lutheran Vespers service will return on Sunday 17 October at 17.45, featuring Bach's Cantata Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz? (BWV 138). Tickets for this service are now available here.

There will also be a Solemn Requiem for All Souls on Saturday 30 October at 17.45, and the College Commemoration Service, with candlelit procession, on Sunday 31 October at 17.45.

Weekly services (Friday 8 October - Saturday 4 December):

Please note that the services on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 October are special college occasions that will be very full, and we may be unable to admit members of the public.

Sunday 17.45 Choral Evensong

Monday 18.15 Choral Evensong (Clerks' Voices)

Tuesday 18.15 Choral Vespers (Boys' Voices)

Tuesday 21.00 Choral Compline (Clerks' Voices)

Thursday 18.15 Choral Evensong

Friday 18.15 Choral Evensong

Saturday 17.45 Choral Evensong or Choral Eucharist

Sunday evensong and special services will also be livestreamed on the New College Choir YouTube channel.
 

Details of Christmas services will be available later in term. The carol services are not open to the public; please do not request tickets if you have not received an invitation to do so, as we may be unable to reply to your request at such a busy time of year.

The Chapel and Choir

The Chapel has been a fundamental part of New College life since the College’s foundation in 1379, when William of Wykeham placed the building at the heart of the college and endowed a choir of clerks and boys to sing daily services. The Choir of New College is now internationally renowned, but even today their primarily role is to sing at chapel services, which form a gathering point for students, staff and fellows, and are also attended by members of the local community and visitors from around the world. For people of all faiths or none, the Chapel and its choral services provide a place of quiet and contemplation away from the stresses of daily life. Although the Chapel was founded to serve the College community of fellows, students and staff, we welcome all our visitors who are drawn to its history, its music and its witness of faith.

In addition to singing at services, the Choir of New College has a busy concert and touring schedule, and has also released over 100 recordings. The Director of Music, Mr Robert Quinney, welcomes enquiries from prospective students and parents of prospective choristers. More information about the Choir can be found on the Choir of New College website. 

Music has always been a strength of New College, and the Chapel is used by students and external groups for concerts, plays and lectures that form a welcome and diverse contribution to College life. Full details of how to book the Chapel can be found in the Concert Guidelines.