Merton College Chapel Choir is a fine mixed-voice choir, made up of an enthusiastic group of about 20-25 students from various different Oxford colleges (not only members from Merton). The choir sings in term time for one Sunday evening service every week, and the occasional special service. Regular rehearsals are held twice a week, one mid-week (Friday afternoons) and one immediately before the service. A diverse range of sacred music, both accompanied and unaccompanied, is sung. This year, the Choir is run by Chris Chan, the organ scholar, with the support of the Chaplain. All choir members are paid and receive free Formal Hall after every service. Entry to the choir is by a short, informal audition; please contact the organ scholar, Chris (click here) for more information. The Choir also has the opportunity to sing at other venues in the UK and abroad. Following a successful tour to Scotland in 2007, the choir went on to perform to large audiences in Vienna in June 2008, including Stephandom Cathedral.
From October 2008, Merton College will officially launch a new choral foundation offering new choral scholarships. The choir, which will initially comprise existing members and new choral scholars, will be directed by world-famous conductor, Peter Phillips (Tallis Scholars) assisted by Benjamin Nicholas (Tewkesbury Abbey). Auditions for Choral Awards have already started. Members of this year's choir will be able to apply after Christmas. Choral scholars will have the benefit of receiving 350 pounds per year plus free singing tuition.