Chapel music
The Chapel is at the heart of Hertford’s vibrant musical life. The choir rehearses and performs here, there are Wednesday lunchtime recitals in term, and the college orchestra performs here regularly.
The perfect combination of carved wood, stone and marble lends the Chapel a wonderful acoustic, and our college musicians practise here regularly.
Hertford College Chapel Choir is an open, mixed choir that leads the singing at Chapel services. We specialise in the music of the English choral tradition, from Thomas Tallis to Herbert Howells. We’re proud of our high choral standards, inclusive membership and friendly atmosphere. To help ensure that standards are the best they can be, there are 8 auditioned choral award holders who receive a stipend for actively leading the choir. We’ve found that this helps to foster confidence and singing ability in those who might not have had the opportunity to sing demanding music.
Every Wednesday lunchtime in term, the Hertford College Music Society puts on a free, public music recital in the Chapel. The recitals start at 1.10 pm, and we try to conclude by 2 pm. Most performers are members of the college – students and staff – with the occasional musical friend joining us. Performances range from solo instrumentalists and singers to larger ensembles.
🎼 Hertford Conducting Programme
Pilot weekend · Hilary term 2026
6–8 February 2026 at Hertford College, Oxford
An intensive weekend of practical conducting training for Oxford students.
The Hertford Conducting Programme is a new pilot initiative offering focused, hands-on experience in choral and orchestral conducting, led by experienced tutors in a supportive environment. Whether you are an experienced student conductor or curious to begin, this weekend will help you build technique, confidence, and musical leadership skills.
Guest tutor Peter Stark will be leading an orchestral masterclass on conducting recitative as part of this programme. APPLY NOW to have the chance to work with Peter and our other tutors Jamie Sperling, Adam Hope and Lucy Joy Morris.
Who can apply?
- Open to students of the University of Oxford
- Priority given to Hertford students and those connected with Hertford
Two application routes:
- Senior Conducting Participants (with prior conducting experience)
- Junior Conducting Participants (limited or no formal experience)
What’s included?
Masterclasses with vocal and orchestral ensembles. Training includes:
- Baton technique, gesture
- Rehearsal technique
- Score study
- Musicianship
- Observation, feedback, and peer learning with three conducting tutors.
Fees
FREE for Hertford students. Non-Hertford students:
- Senior Scholars: ÂŁ100
- Junior Scholars: ÂŁ75
How to apply
- Complete a short online application form
- Senior applicants will be invited to submit a short conducting video
Applications will close when all places are filled, so early applications are encouraged.
Please contact our Director of Music for more information: lucyjoy.morris@hertford.ox.ac.uk
đź“© Apply HERE
Scholarships and awards
We’re pleased to be able to offer a wide range of support to organists and choir singers at Hertford. Discover what we offer below.
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Organ scholarships
Hertford College awards two organ scholarships at any one time. These scholarships are available to students who apply to study music at the college, and are awarded via the University of Oxford’s central organ-awards scheme. This year, Hertford will appoint an Organ Scholar to begin in 2024 and in addition will consider deferred entry for 2025.
The choir and music in chapel is run by the Director of Music (DoM). The two organ scholars have significant input into organising the chapel’s music, playing the organ and directing the choir themselves under the DoM’s guidance and direction. The DoM works hard to mentor the organ scholars and to allow them an opportunity to grow as young musical leaders.
Further benefits include:
- A stipend of ÂŁ500 per annum
- Fully-funded organ, conducting and singing lessons
- A unique leadership development programme, including training and mentoring
- The opportunity to help shape the musical life of the Chapel
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Choral awards
Hertford College offers a total of eight choral awards at any time to fulfil leading roles in the Hertford College Chapel Choir. The awards are provided from the generosity of the present and former Principals and the Hertford Society. Usually, but not necessarily, two awards are offered for each of the vocal parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The awards comprise fully funded singing lessons, plus a small honorarium.
Award holders, known as choral clerks (clericuli chorales principalium et alumnorum), are expected to:
- sing at every Sunday Evensong and Thursday Eucharist in term;
- attend choir rehearsals every Friday and Sunday in term;
- and mentor and support other members of their part.
Auditions for choral awards are held every year in Freshers’ Week (0th week of Michaelmas term). For more information, please contact the Director of Music.