On Saturday 7 March, Christ Church Cathedral welcomed the choirs of New and Magdalen Colleges to join the Christ Church Choir for a special evensong. It was a beautiful and memorable occasion, featuring many great pieces, including music by Nico Muhly, Christ Church’s new Composer-in-Residence.

The Cathedral was absolutely packed, with more than 800 people in attendance from across the three colleges and the wider community. The remarkable turnout was a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of choral music and the profound impact it continues to have on audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It also underscored the importance of preserving this centuries-old tradition while encouraging new generations to experience it firsthand.

The service was organised in conjunction with the Cathedral Music Trust, which held its supporters’ weekend in Oxford. As part of the visit, guests enjoyed a full 'Christ Church Day', including an exclusive viewing of the Taverner Part Books in the Library, a recital by Senior Organ Scholar George Balfour, and the opportunity to conclude the day with Evensong followed by dinner in Hall.

It was a wonderful celebration of the musical life of Christ Church and a vivid demonstration of how the Cathedral continues to serve as a centre for choral music in Oxford, the Diocese, and across the country.

Having only recently arrived at Christ Church, I remain in awe of the extraordinary standard of the Choir and their musical artistry. I am equally proud that we continue to foster collaborative events with our fellow college choirs and partners who share in our mission to preserve and expand the choral tradition. 

I look forward to the many musical moments that the coming year will bring. As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Choir, there will be a wide range of services, concerts, and special events throughout the year – both here at Christ Church and beyond – offering many opportunities to hear the Choir and engage with its remarkable musical tradition. I warmly encourage you to come and experience the music of the Cathedral for yourself.