In 2016 Merton College became the first College in Oxford University to admit girls into its Choral Foundation. The 24 girl choristers attend many different schools across Oxford and beyond, and rehearse at Merton on Mondays and Wednesdays during school term-time. Receiving specialist musical training from the College’s professional musicians, they sing Choral Vespers each Monday and Choral Evensong each Wednesday during the University term, joined on Wednesdays by six professional adult singers who sing the lower parts. In addition, the choristers undertake a number of concerts and other activities each year, including performing in the Passiontide at Merton festival and touring over the summer.
Our Choristers
Choristers at Merton sing two services a week during school term. Auditions are held of Year 3, and girls are welcomed into the choir in the September of Year 4, singing with the choir until Year 11. Girls receive singing lessons from experienced singing teachers, music theory tuition and a bursary to pay for instruction on a musical instrument of their choice. The Choristers tour yearly, and perform concerts and services around the UK and abroad. All costs are covered by Merton College, Oxford.
Find out more about Life as a Chorister for Merton College Girl Choristers.
