Notable Alumni
Katie Jeffries-Harris (alto), 2016
Member of world renowned a-capella group Voces8, Genesis Sixteen
I had a wonderful experience singing with Somerville College Choir during my time at Oxford University. Choir on a Thursday and Sunday afternoon was always a welcome break from study: a chance to sing a fantastic range of music in a mindful setting with a great group of friends. Among college choirs in Oxford, Somerville explores a much more varied repertoire as a result of being part of a non-denominational chapel. I found the Directors of Chapel Music, not being restricted by almost daily services, to be inspiring musicians to learn from with a wealth of professional experience as active performers themselves. The experience of singing at Somerville was really valuable when moving forward into a career in music for its choral training, performance opportunities and tour experiences. It was also great fun! I would strongly encourage anyone considering Somerville Choir to apply.
John Lee (bass), 2018
PG course at Royal College of Music, Genesis Sixteen, Voces8 Scholar
Joining Somerville Choir was one of the best decisions I made at Oxford. Will gave us so many opportunities to learn with and from each other as a choir, and I have such fond memories of the music we made, especially the very moving St John Passion.
I particularly valued the emphasis on singing well and exploration of lesser-known repertoire. But most significantly, I left Oxford with so many close friends from the choir - the environment was so welcoming and I never once felt like an outsider though I was from a different college. I could not have asked for a more supportive environment in which to meaningfully make music.
If you are looking for a really positive, exciting place to pursue your musical development, do consider singing at Somerville!
I particularly valued the emphasis on singing well and exploration of lesser-known repertoire. But most significantly, I left Oxford with so many close friends from the choir - the environment was so welcoming and I never once felt like an outsider though I was from a different college. I could not have asked for a more supportive environment in which to meaningfully make music.
If you are looking for a really positive, exciting place to pursue your musical development, do consider singing at Somerville!
Dr Robert Pecksmith (organist), 2014
Assistant Master of the Music at Buckfast Abbey, former Assistant Organist of Wakefield Cathedral and St. James Cathedral (Toronto) and former Assistant Director of Music of the York Oratory
I can really recommend the Somerville organ scholarship as something worth applying for, even if you do not have an extensive background in church music. Somerville has had a series of distinguished directors of music, and high standards to match, but it is not exactly a typical Oxbridge chapel.
Anglican choral and organ music is certainly part of what we do, but it is by no means everything, and over my three years as organ scholar I played at services with speakers of every major creed, and none.
I learnt so much as an organ scholar here: about choir accompaniment, confident performance as an organ soloist, recording CDs and YouTube videos, the mechanics of crowd funding a choir tour, not to mention some lasting friendships.
Website: www.robertpecksmith.co.uk
Anglican choral and organ music is certainly part of what we do, but it is by no means everything, and over my three years as organ scholar I played at services with speakers of every major creed, and none.
I learnt so much as an organ scholar here: about choir accompaniment, confident performance as an organ soloist, recording CDs and YouTube videos, the mechanics of crowd funding a choir tour, not to mention some lasting friendships.
Website: www.robertpecksmith.co.uk
Bertie Baigent (tenor), 2013
Principal Assistant Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, award-winning composer and organist
I sang with Somerville Choir while I was in the sixth form – I had singing lessons from the director of music and (as in every choir) there was room for an extra tenor. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the choir, and felt completely welcomed by the other choral scholars even though I was a few years younger.
The high standards, attention to detail, but also generous-spirited music making meant that I learnt so much about church music, but in a very supportive and friendly environment.
A few years later when I began as an organ scholar in Cambridge, my time at Somerville had given me an excellent introduction the church music.
I look back on the choir as a time when I made great friendships and developed so much as a musician.
Website: www.bertiebaigent.com
The high standards, attention to detail, but also generous-spirited music making meant that I learnt so much about church music, but in a very supportive and friendly environment.
A few years later when I began as an organ scholar in Cambridge, my time at Somerville had given me an excellent introduction the church music.
I look back on the choir as a time when I made great friendships and developed so much as a musician.
Website: www.bertiebaigent.com
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