The College has an active musical life, facilitated by the Director of College Music, Christian Wilson, who directs the chapel choir and arranges concerts both by students and visiting professionals. The College's talented organ scholars, choral scholars, music scholars and JCR and HCR Arts representatives also play a significant role in music-making in the College. Any member of college may put on a solo or ensemble recital – if you fancy doing something creative away from your studies, then you are more than welcome to get involved - please contact The Director of Music.
There is usually one musical event per week in College, and you can view these on the term card.
Students may practise in the music rooms in Frewin Court (key available from the Lodge) or in the Chapel. There is an online booking system for practice in the Chapel which can be found here.
WEEKDAY CONCERTS
There is a weekly concert series, which involves solo performers and a number of chamber groups, drawn from the many musicians at Brasenose. Our recitals and concerts take place usually on Wednesdays and/or Fridays during term-time at 1.30pm and/or 6pm in the Antechapel. Each lunchtime recital lasts between 25-30 minutes and the 6pm concerts between 45 to 60 minutes. In addition at least one organ recital per term is given on the Chapel's fine organ on a Tuesday evening at 9pm, before Sung Compline at 9.30, if people wish to stay for this. Everyone is welcome to attend, and all concerts in college are free of charge.
PLATNAUER CONCERTS
For the classical music enthusiast, the College hosts a termly Platnauer concert (named after Maurice Platnauer, a previous Brasenose principal) at which many well-known classical musicians have performed. These take place on the third Friday of each term at 6pm and last one hour, followed by drinks in the Medieval Kitchen for all afterwards. Again, these are free of charge.
CHAPEL CHOIR
The core of regular communal music-making at Brasenose is the flourishing Chapel Choir, which sings a wide range of repertoire weekly to a high standard in Chapel. The choir is non-auditioned and welcomes any member of college, with some from other colleges, and we have the reputation of being the largest chapel choir in Oxford! It is directed by Christian Wilson, our Director of College Music, expertly assisted and accompanied by our talented organ scholars.
All college members are welcome to Evensong in the College Chapel each Sunday at 6pm, followed by drinks afterwards. If you are interested, have a look at the chapel music list, and get in touch with The Director of Music.
JAZZ, FOLK AND POP
Brasenose also organises popular Open Mic and folk music nights down the bar (‘DTB'), and there is currently a big appetite for Jazz, with a new jazz group formed this year. If you would like to be involved in such events, please contact the The Director of Music.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Brasenose College offers organ, choral, and music scholarships to both prospective and current students at Brasenose. For further information, click here.
I look forward to seeing you at some of our events!
Best wishes
Christian Wilson
Director of College Music and Tutor