Chamber Choir enjoy amazing University of Oxford experience
Chamber Choir members enjoyed an action-packed day as they travelled to the University of Oxford to perform at an Evensong service in collaboration with the University College Chapel Choir.
Whilst at the venue they went on a tour and took part in a question-and-answer session with two members of the university’s staff.
The tour was co-led by Old Stopfordian Zoe Shah (OS 2021) and it gave pupils an opportunity to see more of the college and to learn more about university life.
The musicians were fascinated to find out that the college boasts two UK Prime Ministers (Harold Wilson and Clement Attlee) and a US President (Bill Clinton) amongst its alumni.
Before lunch Director of Music Dr Giles Underwood and Andrew Bell, Senior Tutor in the Lecture Theatre at University College, spoke about various pathways in higher education both at Oxford and beyond. The session gave pupils the chance to learn more about musical options such as choral and organ scholarships, but also to learn more widely about university life.
Tours of Queen’s and Merton Colleges, including visits to both of their chapels, preceded a rehearsal in the magnificent chapel ahead of the evening’s service.
The joint Evensong service combined the SGS Chamber Choir with the University College’s Chapel Choir and the choir was conducted by Dr Underwood, who is also a professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Some of the musical items were accompanied magnificently by Sixth Form organist Nathan Monk.
Several SGS family members and friends were in attendance at the service and the pupils really appreciated the superb support of the SGS community.
Reflecting on the trip, Director of Music Mr Michael Dow said: “Many congratulations to all the members of our Chamber Choir on their wonderful singing in the rehearsal and Evensong service. I was immensely proud of all our students, and I thought they were a great credit to the school. The service was incredibly uplifting, and it was lovely to hear the chapel filled with the magnificent sound of their voices combined with those of the University College Chapel Choir.
“It was also lovely to have time to explore some of the historic Oxford colleges and to learn more about various pathways – musical and across all subjects – in higher education.”
Dr Underwood remarked: “I thought the sound in Evensong was thrilling, especially in the Wood [anthem] as everyone settled down into the bigger group. Your students are a credit to you, particularly in the choir setting. They were engaged, clearly enjoying their singing, and knew exactly what they were doing.”
Fourth Year Nathan Hutchinson commented: “Working with a different choir was a great experience and the Evensong service was truly amazing. Having the opportunity to go down to Oxford was fantastic; we all had a great time, and I hope we can do it again next year.”
Fifth Year Clara Zelhof said: “Having the opportunity to see a university and explore options for higher education was extremely helpful. I also really enjoyed being able to sing with a very talented choir.”
Fifth Year Lily Patel added: “The trip was amazing, all the way from touring the different colleges to having the privilege to sing with choral scholars and the Director of Music himself. All of the colleges that we toured had an amazing wide range of academic and housing facilities.”
Fourth Year Harry Chadwick-Fincher concluded: “It was an honour to perform alongside the Oxford choral scholars. The atmosphere in the chapel was very special. I really enjoyed the other aspects of the trip as well, including the Q&A session with the Director of Music and tours of the three Oxford colleges. Thank you to all of the staff.“
