Notes from Oxford
In excess of 130 supporters gathered in Oxford from 6-8 March for a unique and enjoyably busy National Gathering in which attendees visited not only Christ Church cathedral but also (at least) four college chapels as well as the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.
We began at Merton college on Friday, for tours of the college and its fascinating Mob Library (1378), a brilliant organ recital on the remarkable Dobson organ (2013) by Director of Music Benjamin Nicholas (Bach, Rheinberger, Franck, Philip Glass, etc.) and later, after tea and cake in the imposing Hall and a wine reception in Chapel, a stunning concert by Merton College Choir (Purcell, Howells, James MacMillan, Bob Chilcott, et al – the latter attending in person). In between the recital and concert, many of us dashed across to a hugely enjoyable Evensong at The Queen’s College (Walmisley, Darke, etc.) – featuring its outstanding choir conducted by Prof Owen Rees.
Saturday began early at Christ Church cathedral where we were allowed to observe a choristers’ rehearsal taken by Director of Music, Peter Holder – all highly professional (Frank Martin, Weir and Muhly). We then had most informative tours of the cathedral and the wonderful college library where we viewed the famous Taverner part books as well as ‘Alice’ memorabilia. At lunchtime, we headed for Magdalen College chapel for a terrific organ recital by the senior organ scholar of Christ Church, George Balfour (Bach, Harvey, Dupre, etc.).
Saturday afternoon featured a most fascinating illustrated talk at New College by Director of Music Prof Robert Quinney about the history of Evensong. Over tea and cake for everyone in New College hall, the Local Ambassadors attending had the chance to meet. Later on Saturday, it was back to Christ Church cathedral for a truly special service: a ‘three choirs’ Evensong featuring the combined choirs of Christ Church, New College and Magdalen in a programme of new music (Judith Weir, Matthew Martin, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Nico Muhly, etc. – the latter attending the service) – a quite wonderful sound from, by my reckoning, about 50 children and 40 adults, who delighted a packed cathedral, where there was not a spare seat to be had. This was followed by a wine reception and the National Dinner in the remarkable Christ Church Hall – what a memorable occasion!
Sunday morning’s Eucharist was back at Magdalen, featuring the Langlais Messe Solennelle – quite gripping – and a motet by Cecilia McDowell, and after lunch, we heard a talk and demonstration of the splendid Eule organ (2023) by Director of Music Mark Williams. Sunday afternoon had a choice of options: a city walking tour, or a tour of the University Church, including its library and tower, with quite breathtaking views from the latter.
After a farewell reception back in New College Hall, Evensong featured the delight of hearing the Howells New College service in the chapel for which it was written, plus a motet by Brahms and a Howells voluntary – a fitting conclusion to a really wonderful weekend.
Please also see Queens’ College new CD here.
Many thanks to Hannah Capstick for her excellent organisation of a complex programme. It was a very full weekend of events, much enjoyed by all.
Mark Bellis
Regional Coordinator of Volunteers (South and East)
