Merton is a relatively small College and the Chapel plays an important part in College life. Thus the profile of the Organ Scholar within the College tends to be quite high! The Organ Scholar will exercise a significant role within the new music team. Under the supervision of the Chaplain and Directors of Music, he or she will play for regular and occasional services and will also conduct and rehearse the choir. Initially, there will be two choral services a week during term (on Sunday and Wednesday evenings), and the Organ Scholar will also play for the Sunday morning Service. Organ Scholars receive an annual bursary, free organ tuition and an allowance for organ music.
The main organ is a 1960s neo-classical instrument by Walker. There is also a chamber organ by Thomas Parker, a builder who flourished between 1750 and 1770. It is thought that this exquisite organ, a rare survival and restored in 1999, dates from about 1760.
Though not the responsibility of the Organ Scholar, recent postholders have taken advantage of the College's non-auditioning choir, The Kodaly Choir, to explore concert repertoire. The Kodaly Choir was founded forty years ago by Laszlo Heltay, one of Kodaly's pupils, and often performs at termly concerts with the College orchestra.
An Organ Scholar is appointed by Merton in alternate years. The deadline for auditioning for the 2008 position has passed and the successful candidate has been appointed. Next application will be for the role of Merton Organ Scholar for entry in 2010. In September 2009 it will be possible to compete for the Organ Scholarship offered in 2010. For further details, click here.
In an exciting new development, Merton College has launched a Choral Foundation. From 2008 the College will offer 16 Choral Scholarships to undergraduate and graduate members of the College, as well as the Organ Scholarship, which it currently offers.
Peter Phillips, founder and director of the Tallis Scholars, has been appointed Director of Music, and Benjamin Nicholas, of Dean Close School, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Abbey, will work with him as Assistant Director.
A Choral Scholarship at Merton offers talented young male and female singers a unique musical and intellectual experience. They will sing in a medieval building renowned for its outstanding choral acoustics under the direction of a world-class musician. They will also have the opportunity to study in a vibrant and friendly academic community.
Initially, Choral Scholars will be required to sing at two evening services a week during term (Sunday and Wednesday), in addition to other occasional services. It is envisaged that, in time, the choir will undertake tours and recordings, and that these will take place outside term.
Choral Scholars will receive an annual bursary of £350. The College will also fund fortnightly singing lessons and offer free meals after choral services.
The application process for Choral Scholars falls into two stages: the musical testing (choral trial) held in September (21 & 22nd), and the academic testing and interviewing in December. All candidates for Choral Scholarships follow the standard entry procedure for academic testing in December and will be treated on the same basis as all other applicants to the College.
Undergraduates: Choral candidates are required to complete and submit two entry forms: a choral application form (available from the University's Undergraduate Admissions office), and a UCAS application with an accompanying Oxford application form.
The deadline for receipt of the choral application form is 1 September 2008, and for the UCAS application (and Oxford application form) 15 October 2008. Immediately after the musical testing in September, candidates will be informed whether they have reached the musical standard to merit further consideration for a choral award. Accordingly, choral candidates are advised not to submit their UCAS application (or Oxford application form) until they know the result of the September tests.
The selection process is completed only in December, after the academic testing. A Choral Scholarship will only be offered to a candidate who has satisfied both the choral and academic examiners. Any offer will be subject to the College’s normal A-level requirements.
Graduates: Graduates may apply for a Choral Scholarship once they have received the formal offer of a place at Merton. Auditions will normally take place at the beginning of each Michaelmas Term. For further details, please contact the Chaplain, Dr Simon Jones or the Tutor for Music, Dr. Suzannah Clark.
Further Information and Open Days
Each year the Music Faculty arranges a Choral and Organ Awards Open Day. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend. The Chaplain, Dr Simon Jones, is also happy to meet with prospective candidates and to provide further information.