Music
Queen’s is well known in and beyond Oxford for the quality and quantity of its musical activities. The mixed-voice Chapel Choir is widely regarded as the finest such choir in Oxford. It is directed by the Organist (Dr Owen Rees) and the Organ Scholars; the singers include Choral Scholars (up to eighteen at any one time) and volunteers. The Choir sings for Evensong three times a week during term, as well as for other services such as Compline; it gives one major concert each term, and undertakes regular tours and short visits both within this country and abroad. The Eglesfield Musical Society, named after our Founder (and the oldest musical society in Oxford), organises a substantial series of concerts each year, ranging from chamber music to orchestral works. These concerts provide abundant performing and conducting opportunities for the College’s many musicians, as well as featuring visiting artists. There are weekly lunchtime organ recitals in College (the College organ – built by the Danish firm of Frobenius in 1965 – is one of the finest in the country), including, during 2000, a prestigious series featuring the complete organ works of Bach, to mark the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death.
Jazz and popular music also have regular adherents. Facilities for individual and group rehearsal are available in the two Music Practice Rooms, one equipped with grand piano and the other with upright piano and harpsichord. In addition to the organ, the chapel contains a concert grand piano and a fine harpsichord, and is acoustically one of the best chapels in Oxford for musical performance.