Christ Church Philosophy and Theology undergraduate, Archie Inns (2021), has been announced as the winner of this year’s prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Club Music Prize. The annual Prize is awarded to an Oxford or Cambridge University student who is approaching the end of their studies and who has exhibited outstanding musical talent. 

To be considered for the prize, applicants must submit a video or audio recording of a musical performance on an instrument of their choice, as well as a personal statement. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to perform before a selection panel of accomplished musicians in the Grade-II listed Club house at 71 Pall Mall, London. The winner of the Prize is then granted access to the Oxford and Cambridge Club for a year, together with credit to spend within the Club, in return for which the musician is asked to perform in at least one Club concert that year.

This year’s winner of the Music Prize is Archie Inns, a third-year Philosophy and Theology student at Christ Church and an Academical Clerk (Choral Scholar) in Christ Church Cathedral Choir. Accompanied by Alfred Fardell, Archie performed a programme for tenor voice written by contemporary composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad. Commenting on his experience, Archie said: ‘I was very excited to be selected as the winner of the annual Oxford and Cambridge Club Music Prize. I had a wonderful day at the Club in Pall Mall, singing for a jury comprising pianist Charles Owens and several members of the Club.’ 

Archie began his journey as a singer at Durham Cathedral, where he was a chorister, before returning to his hometown of Glasgow to sing in a number of ensembles including the National Youth Choir of Scotland. During his gap year he sang in the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, and began his ongoing vocal tuition with Miranda Wright. He receives further tuition from Nicky Spence. 

Today, alongside the demands of his Academical Clerkship at Christ Church, Archie freelances with such groups as the BBC Singers, Coro Spezzato and Ensemble Pro Victoria, as well as fulfilling solo engagements. He debuted at the Oxford Song Festival together with James Gilchrist in November. As his time at Oxford comes to an end, he hopes to pursue a musical career and intends to apply to a conservatoire for further study. He returns to the Oxford and Cambridge Club on 20 September, together with his accompanist Alfred Fardell, to perform a recital now as the Club’s Music Prize holder.