About Merton College Girl Choristers
In 2016 Merton College became the first College in Oxford University to admit girls into its Choral Foundation.
The 24 girl choristers attend many different schools across Oxford and beyond and rehearse at Merton on Mondays and Wednesdays during school term-time.
Receiving specialist musical training from the College’s professional musicians, they sing Choral Evensong each Wednesday during the University term, often with six professional adult singers who sing the lower parts.
In addition, the choristers undertake several concerts and other activities each year, including performing in the Passiontide at Merton festival.
Merton College Girl Choristers are associate members of the Choir Schools’ Association, representing schools attached to cathedrals, churches and college chapels in Great Britain and elsewhere.
The Association supports and promotes choral music in the Christian tradition, promotes the values of choir school education, supports choir schools and their heads, and promotes singing locally, nationally and internationally.
In July 2019, the choristers made their debut recording. The 24 girls joined Merton College Choir to record a new piece by Nico Muhly. The music was commissioned for the College’s choirs by the Reed Foundation. The CD was released in June 2020, and it features music by contemporary American composers.
