The Oxford Bach Choir has 160 members drawn from the city, its surrounds and students from both universities. We have been making music in Oxford for over 100 years and we are one of the country’s leading choirs.

Rehearsal timeEach season, the Choir gives at least four concerts in the Sheldonian Theatre in central Oxford, including a carol concert, which range from the famous classical choral pieces to unusual and challenging commissions.

We normally rehearse on Monday evenings in the Sheldonian, 19:30-21:45, during the three 8-week Oxford terms, plus the Friday evening before each concert. Other rehearsals are arranged as necessary.

The Choir is often asked to sing at functions such as weddings and memorial services, and smaller groups from within the Choir form for this purpose. From time to time, foreign trips are arranged. Recently members went to Portugal and Göttingen in Germany, and a trip to Antwerp is planned for this year.
Regular rehearsals ensure that the Choir is always prepared to professional standards.

Membership is by way of an audition. There isn’t really any way round this. However, we do try to make this as painless as possible – we want people to join us, and we realise you might be nervous. Auditions are taken by our conductor, Nicholas Cleobury, and consist of scales and arpeggios to test for range and quality, ear tests including pitch and rhythm, singing a short piece of your own choice and sight reading.

The main auditions are held in October at the beginning of the season, but also at the beginning of the other terms as required.
Subscription fees are £160 per year or £40 for students.
If you enjoy singing and want to make music in Oxford, please contact the Membership Secretary at membership@oxfordbachchoir.org