Choir and Chapel

The chapel is a place of sanctuary, of ancient words and music, of peace and contemplation, and is open to everyone. There is no need to be a member of the college or even of the university. There is no dress code, no entry requirement, and no need to be part of any religious tradition. May you find peace and light in this place where prayer has been valid for more than 600 years.

See below for details of our regular and special services. Groups of more than 10 must book by emailing chapel.administrator@new.ox.ac.uk

Weddings: If you are a current or former student or staff member interested in getting married at New College, please read these guidelines before making an enquiry. Please note that we are fully booked for 2023 and 2024.

Regular chapel services resume with evensong at 6.15pm on Friday 6 October 2023.

New College Chapel Weekly Services Michaelmas Term 2023New College Chapel Special Services Michaelmas Term 2023

Michaelmas Term 2023 Regular services (Friday 6 October - Saturday 2 December):

Sunday 17.45 Choral Evensong

Monday 18.15 Choral Evensong (Clerks' Voices)

Tuesday 18.15 Choral Evensong

Thursday 18.15 Choral Evensong or Choral Vespers (Boys' Voices)

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.

 

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.