Merton College Chapel & Choir
The College Chapel dates back to the end of the thirteenth century and stands at the heart of our ancient College as a witness to Christian worship over almost 750 years. Today the Chapel is home to a lively and diverse Christian community which continues this faithful offering of worship with daily services during term time. Visitors are welcome to join members of the College at all our services. Each year a number of Mertonians get married here, and the Chapel is also a popular venue for concerts and plays. To find out more, contact the Chaplain, Simon Jones.
The Choir of Merton College was established in its current form in October 2008 when Benjamin Nicholas and Peter Phillips became the Reed Rubin Directors of Music. The choir consists of 30 undergraduates and post-graduates, many of whom hold choral scholarships at Merton College. The choir has already toured in France (2009, 2010 and 2011) and in the USA (2011), as well as giving numerous concerts in the UK. Recent performances have included Tallis's Spem in alium in the Beaujolais Festival, Mozart's Requiem in St Germain-des-Pres, Paris and Bach's St John Passion in Merton College Chapel.
The choir's debut CD In the beginning features music by Gombert, Weelkes, Holst, Copland and Jackson and has been named 'Gramophone Choice' in the December issue of Gramophone. In October of this year the choir made its first BBC broadcast.
The College has begun a significant commissioning project in the build-up to the 750th anniversary celebrations in 2014, and Jackson, Tavener, Martin, Dubra and Skempton have already had works premiered by the choir. The third Passiontide at Merton festival takes place in April 2012.
For the full details about services and the termly list, please download the Chapel Termcard and Services booklet.
For information about booking the chapel for concerts and recordings, please contact the Chapel Administrator, Rachel Fright.
