Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Magdalen College Choir, Oxford is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been enchanting audiences with its ethereal music for over 500 years. The choir is based at Magdalen College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford, and is made up of 30 choristers and 12 lay clerks. The choir's origins can be traced back to the 15th century when Magdalen College was founded by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester. The college's statutes required that a choir be established to sing daily services in the college chapel. Over the centuries, the choir has evolved and grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choirs in the world. The choir's current director is Daniel Hyde, who took over from Bill Ives in 2009. Hyde is a highly respected conductor and organist who has worked with some of the world's leading orchestras and choirs. Under his leadership, the choir has continued to flourish and has gained a reputation for its exquisite performances of both sacred and secular music. The choir's main members are the choristers and lay clerks. The choristers are boys aged between 7 and 13 who attend Magdalen College School and receive a world-class education alongside their musical training. The lay clerks are professional singers who sing the alto, tenor, and bass parts of the choir. They are chosen for their exceptional vocal abilities and are often graduates of the world's leading music conservatories. The choir's repertoire is vast and includes music from the medieval period to the present day. The choir is particularly renowned for its performances of Renaissance music, including works by composers such as Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Orlando Gibbons. The choir also performs contemporary music and has commissioned works from leading composers such as John Rutter and James MacMillan. The choir's performances take place in the college chapel, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and acoustically perfect chapels in the world. The choir sings daily services during term time, including evensong, matins, and compline. The choir also performs concerts and tours both nationally and internationally. One of the choir's most notable performances was at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. The choir sang a number of pieces during the ceremony, including a specially commissioned anthem by composer Paul Mealor. The performance was watched by millions of people around the world and helped to raise the choir's profile even further. The choir has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the choir won the Gramophone Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of music by William Byrd. The choir has also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards and has won the Diapason d'Or award in France. In addition to its musical achievements, the choir is also known for its charitable work. The choir has raised thousands of pounds for various charities over the years, including the Oxford Children's Hospital and the British Heart Foundation. In conclusion, Magdalen College Choir, Oxford is a world-renowned classical music ensemble with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. The choir's performances are a testament to the skill and dedication of its members, and its music continues to inspire and enchant audiences around the world.

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