Genre

:

Choral

 

The Choir of Queen's College, Oxford is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 500 years. The choir is based at Queen's College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, and is made up of undergraduate and graduate students of the college. The choir's history can be traced back to the founding of Queen's College in 1341, but it was not until the 15th century that the choir began to take shape. In 1453, the college appointed its first official organist and choir master, and the choir began to perform regular services in the college chapel. Over the centuries, the choir has undergone many changes, but it has always maintained its reputation for excellence. Today, the Choir of Queen's College is led by its director, Owen Rees, and is made up of around 30 singers, both male and female. The choir's repertoire is diverse, ranging from medieval chant to contemporary works, but it is perhaps best known for its performances of Renaissance music, particularly the works of English composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. One of the choir's most notable achievements was its performance at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. The choir sang a number of pieces during the ceremony, including a setting of the hymn "Guide me, O thou great Redeemer" by Welsh composer William Penfro Rowlands. The performance was watched by millions of people around the world and helped to raise the choir's profile even further. In addition to its performance at the royal wedding, the Choir of Queen's College has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the choir won the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of music by the English composer Robert Parsons. The recording was praised for its "clarity, precision, and beauty of tone," and was described as a "landmark in the history of English choral music." Other highlights of the choir's career include its performances at the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Oxford Lieder Festival. The choir has also toured extensively, performing in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite its many achievements, the Choir of Queen's College remains committed to its primary role as the choir of the college chapel. The choir performs regular services throughout the academic year, including choral evensong, matins, and compline. These services are open to the public and provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the choir's exceptional music in the beautiful surroundings of the college chapel. In conclusion, the Choir of Queen's College, Oxford is a world-renowned classical music ensemble with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. Its performances have captivated audiences around the world, and its recordings have won numerous awards and accolades. Despite its many achievements, the choir remains committed to its primary role as the choir of the college chapel, and continues to inspire and delight audiences with its exceptional music.

More....