150 Years of Music in Keble Chapel

Keble Choir and Sinfonia Smith Square, Artistic Director Simon Over (1984 Music), at the Founders’ and Benefactors’ Feast Concert.

Since its foundation in 1876, the Chapel has been an integral part of Keble College, reaching far beyond the walls of our wonderful building. The provision of music for worship and community has never been stronger.

The Chapel stands out in Oxford as a most striking example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its uniquely resonant acoustic provides a fantastic platform for our talented singers, organists, and musicians, who bring the Chapel to life in the weekly pattern of services, as well as for recitals, concerts and festivals.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Keble Chapel and affords an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate with an exciting lineup of concerts and events. The Chapel 150 celebrations were launched in December last year with a special concert as part of the annual Founders’ and Benefactors’ Feast. Keble Choir joined forces with Sinfonia Smith Square for a programme of festive music and carols, conducted by the orchestra’s Artistic Director, Simon Over (1984 Music).

“It was a thrilling moment for me to be back in the chapel I love so much, where I was confirmed and where I have so many happy memories. Music at Keble was hugely instrumental on my career path, for which I shall always be grateful. The standard of the choir under the skilful direction of Christian Wilson is extremely high, so it was a great pleasure for me to be conducting a concert (forty years since my last one there) with my own Sinfonia Smith Square and the Keble Choir. Given the enthusiastic and generous feedback at the glorious Feast in Hall afterwards, it seemed to be another great and memorable Keble occasion.”

Keble Early Music Festival returned for its 12th year this February, now a central fixture in Oxford’s musical calendar and the only dedicated festival of its kind in the city. Tallis’ 40-voice masterwork, Spem in Alium, opened the festival, performed by the Brabant Ensemble with an array of professionals and Keble Choir members. La Serenissima, The Illyria Consort, Jakob Lindberg, Michael Lowe, Mahan Esfahani, and Gwilym Bowen were among the world-renowned ensembles and artists that featured throughout the week of 13 recitals, lectures and workshops. The festival concluded with a moving performance of Bach’s magnificent St John Passion by Keble Choir, Instruments of Time & Truth, and a fantastic lineup of soloists.

Elizabeth Nurse, our new Music Administrator, was responsible for running the festival alongside Director of Music, Christian Wilson. She says:

“Over 140 musicians performed onstage in this year’s festival, and we welcomed nearly 100 other musicians to take part in the festival workshops. I particularly enjoyed speaking to audience members as they left each concert and recital, who so appreciated and enjoyed hearing the music and the world-class level of artistry.”

Chapel 150 celebrations will continue throughout 2026, the next of which will be our St Mark’s Day Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 26 April. In the meantime, the Choir have taken Keble music overseas for an exciting tour of the US East Coast During Easter Vac (more details in the next issue).

We are committed to continuing to provide leading musical education and enrichment for the College and wider community, offering future generations of students the same unparalleled opportunities afforded to so many before them over the last 150 years. This anniversary presents a special opportunity for us to fund important projects in worship, music, and community life, to ensure that Chapel can thrive for another 150 years and beyond. So far, we’ve raised over £180,000 towards these causes: if you would like to hear more about our goals or add your support, please email Jenny, Director of Development jenny.tudge@keble.ox.ac.uk.