Music at Brasenose
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The College has an active musical life with opportunities for all students to participate, whether as performers or audience members. Our musical life is coordinated by our Director of Music, who works alongside talented organ scholars, choral scholars, music scholars and student representatives to create a vibrant musical community.
Meet the Director of Music
Polina Sosnina, Director of Music
Polina Sosnina is Director of Music at Brasenose College, Oxford. She regularly performs as a conductor, organ soloist and accompanist, featuring in broadcasts on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and Classic FM. Alongside her role at Brasenose College, Polina is Organist and Director of the Junior Choir at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Director of the Junior Choir at St Luke’s and Christ Church, Chelsea, and Director of Thetford Voices.
At Brasenose, Polina directs the Chapel Choir and arranges concerts by both students and visiting professionals. Any member of college may put on a solo or ensemble recital – if you fancy doing something creative away from your studies, you are welcome to get involved. Polina is always willing to hear from college members at all levels about any kind of music-making at Brasenose. Contact her at polina.sosnina@bnc.ox.ac.uk
Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir is at the heart of musical life at Brasenose. This welcoming, non-auditioned choir welcomes members from the Brasenose community and external to college. The choir sings a wide range of repertoire to a high standard each week, directed by Polina Sosnina and accompanied by our talented organ scholars, Jaylen Cheng and Simeon Wren.
All college members are welcome to attend Choral Evensong in the College Chapel each Sunday at 6pm, followed by drinks afterwards. If you’re interested in joining the choir, please contact the Director of Music.
Concerts
Weekly Concerts
Our Friday evening concert series takes place in the antechapel in weeks 3-7 of full term, featuring solo performers and chamber groups showcasing the many talented musicians at Brasenose. All concerts start at 6pm and are free of charge. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Organ Recitals
Organ recitals run on Thursdays in even weeks during full term, at 12.30-1.00 pm in the chapel. They are open to all and free to attend.
Platnauer Concerts
The College hosts a termly Platnauer concert (named after Maurice Platnauer, a former Brasenose Principal) given by professional chamber ensembles. These take place on the third Friday of each term at 6pm, lasting one hour and followed by a complimentary drinks reception in the Medieval Kitchen.
Jazz, Folk and Pop
Brasenose also organises popular Open Mic and folk music nights in the bar, and there is currently a college jazz band for those interested in different musical styles.