On Thursday 12 February, Hermione B, Grace M and Jina N travelled to Merton College Oxford for an inspiring day of singing. Led by the eminent Director of Music, Benjamin Nicholas, 90 participants joined forces with Merton College Choir for a day of workshops culminating in a moving and powerful Evensong in Merton Chapel. The vocal specialists, Carys Lane and Giles Underwood, added to the fabric of the day.
Hermoine said the day was ‘an amazing experience, especially singing alongside the college choir and meeting lots of new people.’
At lunchtime, Hermione, Grace and Jina were captivated by Merton College Choir’s recital, including the stunning setting by James MacMillan, Miserere.
Evensong concluded a memorable day with a powerful message in John Ireland’s Greater Love: ‘You are a chosen generation’.
Grace, reflecting on the experience, said: ‘Singing with such a large group of people was incredible, and everyone there were really talented singers. It was especially exciting to experience the richness that baritones bring to the overall sound of a choir, something we don’t often get to hear at St Mary’s. Throughout the day, we also gained a valuable insight into life at Oxford University. Hearing directly from current students about their experiences made it feel much more real and accessible, and their openness was so helpful. Performing together and sharing music in such a beautiful church made it a great event that was really inspiring.’
Mrs Bethan Dudley Fryar
Director of Vocal Studies
