Choir of Merton College, Oxford

The Choir of Merton College, Oxford, combines responsibilities at the school's chapel services with a schedule of touring across the U.K. and internationally. Choral singing at Merton College Chapel dates back to the chapel's founding in the late 13th century, but the present Choir of Merton College, Oxford, was founded in 2008 as a mixed-gender adult ensemble. The group comprises 30 Oxford students, both undergraduates and postgraduates. The choir began recording in 2011 with In the Beginning, a recital of mixed Renaissance and contemporary choral works. A Merton College Girl Choristers group was added in 2016 and sometimes performs with the main choir. The choir returned in 2023 with a pair of albums, one devoted to the Christmas Oratorio of Bob Chilcott and the other to anthems by George Dyson, Howells, Elgar, and Gerald Finzi, among others.