Choir


Magdalen College is one of the oldest choral foundations in England, with an unbroken tradition stretching back to 1480. The Choir retains much the same shape as it had in the fifteenth century, with sixteen boy Choristers (educated at Magdalen College School) and twelve adult Academical Clerks (undergraduates of the College).

Rehearsing in Chapel

The Director of Chapel Music, Daniel Hyde, still retains the ancient Latin title, Informator Choristarum. The first Informator was appointed in 1481, and many notable musicians have since held this post, including John Sheppard, Daniel Purcell (brother of Henry), Sir John Stainer, Sir William McKie, Bernard Rose and Bill Ives.  More recent alumni of the Choir include Ivor Novello, Dudley Moore, Harry Christophers, John Mark Ainsley and Robin Blaze.

The Choir’s principal role is singing the daily Chapel services, at 6 pm every evening (except Mondays) in Full Term, and every Sunday morning in Term at 11 am. The repertoire of settings for Evensong and the Mass ranges from music by John Sheppard (Informator Choristarum in the 16th century) to modern works, including those of the previous Informator, Grayston Ives, who is a distinguished composer of sacred music.

The Choir also sings at special occasions in College throughout the year, including the famous May Morning celebrations, an ancient tradition dating back to 1509.

Beyond the Chapel, the Choir records regularly and performs in concerts and broadcasts to appreciative audiences all over the world. 

Contact Daniel Hyde to discuss proposals for concert, tour or recording projects for the Choir. 

Click here to read a recent Oxford Times article about the choir.

 

 For a selection of this week's music please click here