Somerville College Choir: A Legacy of Choral Excellence
The Somerville College Choir has established itself as a distinguished ensemble, blending a deep respect for classical traditions with a commitment to contemporary and diverse choral works. From the hallowed halls of the UK's most iconic cathedrals to the recording studio, the choir has consistently delivered high-quality performances that span centuries of musical evolution.
Key Facts
- Cathedral Presence: Performed at St Paul's, Coventry, Southwark, Wells, Worcester, Winchester, and Blackburn cathedrals.
- Discography: Released multiple commercial albums including Requiem æternam, Advent Calendar, The Dawn of Grace, Divine Light, and Moonrise.
- Diverse Repertoire: Expertise ranges from Bach and Handel to modern works by female and Indian-heritage composers.
- Notable Leadership: Led by David Crown (until 2015) and William Dawes (appointed 2017).
A History of Distinguished Performances
The choir's reach extends far beyond the college walls, with a performance history that includes major cities such as Oxford, Brighton, Swindon, and Upton. Their versatility is evidenced by their involvement in opera, having performed in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
Throughout the years, the choir has participated in significant cultural events. In 2009/2010, they performed in a memorial concert for alumna Iris Murdoch and presented John Tavener's Song for Athene in the presence of the composer himself. Their commitment to the great masters is further highlighted by performances of Handel's Messiah and Bach's St John Passion, the latter of which was performed twice, including a 2014 production featuring soloists from the Royal College of Music.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Royal and Religious Engagements
The choir has frequently been invited to sing evensong—a traditional service of evening prayer—at prestigious venues. A notable highlight occurred in 2011/2012, when the choir sang at St Paul's Cathedral to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Other significant engagements include services at Coventry Cathedral and the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London.
Recorded Works and Discography
The choir has transitioned its live success into a series of commercial recordings, expanding its reach to global audiences.
Under the directorship of David Crown, the choir released Requiem æternam in 2012 via Stone Records, featuring Maurice Duruflé's Requiem and Robin Milford's Mass for Five Voices. This album featured acclaimed artists including mezzo-soprano Christine Rice, baritone Mark Stone, and cellist Guy Johnston. This was followed by Advent Calendar in 2013, which gained unique exposure through in-flight programming on selected British Airways flights.
In recent years, the choir has focused on inclusivity and global perspectives. The Dawn of Grace: Music for Christmas (2022) highlighted female composers such as Judith Weir and Cecilia McDowall. This was followed by Divine Light: The Living Indian Choral Tradition (2025), which explored works by Indian and Indian-heritage composers like Reena Esmail and Nirmala Rajasekar.
Their most recent release, Moonrise: Choral Works by Christopher Churcher (2026), showcases the talent of choir member Christopher Churcher. The album includes the Pride Motets, specifically commissioned for Somerville College's LGBTQ Pride services, and a collection of Wintersongs.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Major Releases
| Album Title | Release Year | Key Features / Composers |
|---|---|---|
| Requiem æternam | 2012 | Maurice Duruflé, Robin Milford |
| Advent Calendar | 2013 | Featured on British Airways flights |
| The Dawn of Grace | 2022 | Female composers (e.g., Judith Weir, Errollyn Wallen) |
| Divine Light | 2025 | Indian choral tradition (e.g., Reena Esmail) |
| Moonrise | 2026 | Christopher Churcher (including Pride Motets) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Directors of Chapel Music?
David Crown served as the Director of Chapel Music for eight years until June 2015. William Dawes was subsequently appointed to the role in January 2017.
Which cathedrals has the choir performed in?
The choir has performed at several prestigious cathedrals, including St Paul's, Coventry, Southwark, Wells, Worcester, Winchester, and Blackburn.
What is unique about the 'Divine Light' album?
The album focuses on the living Indian choral tradition, featuring works by Indian and Indian-heritage composers such as Reena Esmail, Nirmala Rajasekar, Vanraj Bhatia, Victor Paranjoti, and Shruthi Rajasekar.
Has the choir performed any operatic works?
Yes, the choir has been involved in two opera productions: Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
What are the 'Pride Motets'?
The Pride Motets are compositions by Christopher Churcher, a member of the choir, which were specifically commissioned for the LGBTQ Pride services at Somerville College.