Music at Hertford
At Hertford we nurture musical interests and performances of all kinds. We’re proud to be home to one of the largest student-run music societies in Oxford and can’t get enough of our fantastic inclusive choir.
Hertford College Music Society
Established in 1972, HCMS is one of the largest and most active music societies across all of the Oxford colleges. They currently have three ensembles, which draw their members from the Hertford student community and beyond: an orchestra, a jazz band and a wind ensemble. The society is proudly non-auditioning, which means that anyone can get involved, whatever their experience and interests.
Each of the ensembles is conducted and run by one of our students, creating opportunities not only for musical performance but also for practical conducting experience. The student committee organise lots of social events throughout the year as well, including formal dinners, jazz and cocktails events, and the much-anticipated ‘Carols on the Quad’ concert in December. Every term, HCMS hosts a public concert in the beautiful University Church which showcases all the ensembles and the music they have been working on through the term.
Every Wednesday lunchtime in term, HCMS puts on a free, public music recital in the Chapel. Most performers are members of the college – students and staff – with the occasional musical friend joining in; everyone is welcome to have a musical lunchtime with us.
Hertford College Choir
Our choir is open to all and is well-known for being among the best of the University’s non-auditioning choirs. It is directed by our Director of Music with the assistance of organ scholars who accompany and regularly conduct the choir. The choir combines high-quality performances with a fun and friendly atmosphere – a true reflection of the Hertford spirit!
As well as regular services in the college Chapel, the choir perform a number of exciting concerts throughout the year and venture out on a European tour every summer. Recently, they’ve explored Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands.
Scholarships and awards
Discover more about our organ scholarships and choral awards on the ‘Chapel music’ webpage.