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The Choir of Somerville College, Oxford is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over a century. The choir has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s, and their dedication to excellence has earned them numerous accolades and awards. The choir was founded in 1903 by William Henry Harris, who was the organist and choirmaster at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Harris was appointed as the first organist and choirmaster of Somerville College, Oxford, and he established the choir as a way to provide music for the college chapel services. The choir quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional performances, and they soon began to perform at other venues throughout Oxford and beyond. Over the years, the choir has undergone several changes in personnel and leadership, but their commitment to excellence has remained constant. The choir has been led by a number of distinguished musicians, including Sir David Willcocks, who served as the choir's director of music from 1957 to 1974. Under Willcocks' leadership, the choir gained international recognition for their performances and recordings, and they became known for their exquisite interpretations of works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart. One of the choir's most notable performances took place in 1953, when they performed at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The choir was selected to perform at the coronation due to their reputation for excellence, and their performance was widely praised for its beauty and precision. The choir's performance of Handel's "Zadok the Priest" was particularly memorable, and it has since become one of the most iconic moments in the choir's history. In addition to their performance at the coronation, the choir has also performed at a number of other prestigious venues and events. They have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Edinburgh Festival, among others. They have also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. The choir's dedication to excellence has earned them numerous awards and accolades over the years. They have won several prizes at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, and they have also been awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for their recordings. In 2015, the choir was awarded the Oxford University Music Society's prestigious Michaelmas Term Concert Prize, which recognizes outstanding performances by university music ensembles. Today, the Choir of Somerville College, Oxford continues to be one of the most respected and admired classical music ensembles in the world. They continue to perform at a variety of venues and events, and they remain committed to upholding the highest standards of musical excellence. With their rich history and dedication to excellence, the choir is sure to continue captivating audiences for many years to come.

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