History

transept roofThe Cathedral Singers was formed in 1978, at the invitation of the Dean and Chapter, in order to maintain the pattern of daily sung services in Christ Church Cathedral when the main Cathedral Choir is not in residence. This amounts to approximately 100 services throughout the year. The choir is drawn from a pool of members, most of whom live and work in and around Oxford, and has its own professional staff: Director of Music Hilary Punnett, and Organist Simon Hogan.

The Cathedral Singers is one of the most active choirs of its type in the country. Its main role is to maintain the Cathedral’s daily pattern of sung worship at times when the Cathedral Choir is away or on vacation. The choir comprises talented volunteer musicians from the local area, from young professionals to professorial fellows. Its repertoire spans from Renaissance polyphony to new music.

In addition to its liturgical duties, the choir’s activities extend to concerts, tours, workshops, and visits to sing services at other UK cathedrals. The choir also has an educational role, sponsoring Sixth Form Choral Scholarships, and participating in Faculty of Music examinations for the University. In July 2018 the choir celebrated its 40th anniversary, and in Summer 2022 the choir visited Bonn as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Oxford Bonn link.  In 2020 the choir commissioned and performed a number of new choral works.

We are always interested to hear from prospective singers, who should have good sight-reading and musicianship. See the CONTACT page for details.